The goal of the Western Balkans is to jointly highlight the importance of the European Union’s presence in this area, to remind that we are part of Europe, and that we want to share the same democratic values and principles with it. We owe the EU membership to the citizens of Montenegro, especially considering the fact that 80% of them supports our membership - Minister of Foreign Affairs Đorđe Radulović said at the prestigious Vienna Diplomatic Academy, in his lecture on the topic: “Western Balkans- Pebble in the shoe, or part of the puzzle that the EU is missing? “

In one of the oldest European institutions, dedicated to training diplomats, Minister Radulović, through five thematic units, explained to the students why the European integration process is important to Montenegro, as well as the steps that lead to realization of that priority, greatest challenges, expectations and reasons for which the Western Balkans is needed to the European Union.

Quoting Jean Paul Sartre: “There may be more beautiful times, but this one is ours “, the Head of Montenegrin Diplomacy said that, although we are aware of different challenges the EU is facing, as well as the fact that enlargement policy of the European Union and leading countries is not always at the top of priorities because they need to, through mutual relations and joint decisions, strengthen the position of the Union, we still need to do everything we can to show that we belong to Europe.

The European Union, as we know it today, with its 27 member states and a very specific and bureaucratically demanding system of decision-making, not only survives and adapts to change, but evolves continuously stronger and expands its spheres of influence globally. I believe that is why it is clear to you that the EU, over time, since its founding has constantly attracted other European countries to join it – the Head of Montenegrin Diplomacy said, adding that Montenegro has decided to inherit the Western values as this is a path that has no alternative.

In the light of the new accession methodology, Minister Radulović stated that rule of law and fight against corruption represent the base of our negotiating process. He also said that the number of challenges depends on the results in area of the rule of law.

If you create independent institutions, if you successfully fight corruption and organized crime, if you have freedom of the media, then the challenges will be reduced. Afterwards the focus will be on economic recovery and justice, not divisions. Our goal is to persevere on that path and show the member states that are skeptical about the enlargement policy that our geostrategic orientation is clear and that we do not want to be just declaratively a part of the Union – Minister Radulović said, adding that a good argument is a 100% compliance with the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) of the EU. 

I believe that the participation of the countries of the Western Balkans is vital in the work of the Conference on the Future of Europe because our strategy needs to be heard. We are not a pebble in the shoe, but piece of the mosaic that the EU is missing – Minister Radulović said.

Regarding the year of accession to the European Union, the Head of Montenegrin Diplomacy said that the essence is reflected in the path, in the process, not in the destination and that we need to create a functioning state with the rule of law, free market competition, sustainable economy, independent judiciary, then we will be under auspices of the EU.

Minister Radulović said that The EU and the Western Balkans share the responsibility for building a peaceful, prosperous and united Europe.

Investing in the stability and prosperity of the region is, in fact, an investment in the security and the future of the European Union as a whole. Closer cooperation is in our common interest, as it is the only way to provide citizens with economic and social benefits and security – the Head of Montenegrin Diplomacy said.

He concluded that the enlargement policy is still alive, and that it is constantly undergoing changes in relation to the particularities of the given moment in which it is being negotiated.

Concerning Montenegro, we have labeled the reform activities in the field of rule of law as an absolute priority, not only in the context of further progress in the accession negotiations, but also when it comes to the overall progress of Montenegrin society as a whole. Better living standards and European quality in all fields is something we all strive for, and one the most efficient mechanisms in reaching that goal is through the process of European integration and accession negotiations – Minister Radulović said.

He emphasized that Montenegro is especially proud of its commitment to the policy of good neighborliness and regional cooperation, which is a prerequisite for the progress of our country, as well as for the European path of the entire region.

We are aware of the challenges ahead and we are ready to address them in cooperation with all actors within Montenegrin society, and we expect the support of our European partners along the way – the Head of Montenegrin Diplomacy concluded.

In Vienna, Minister Radulović had a conversation with the Director of the Vienna Diplomatic Academy Emil Brix. They agreed that the cooperation between the two diplomatic academies is excellent.