Strong support from France and Germany for Montenegro to become the next EU member

“All the values we share within the European Union are today a reality. That is why we want to invite your country, Montenegro, to join the European family as soon as possible,” said the German and French ministers for European affairs, Krichbaum and Haddad, during talks with the highest officials of the Government of Montenegro.

State Minister for Europe at the Federal Foreign Office of Germany, Gunther Krichbaum, and the French Minister Delegate for Europe, Benjamin Haddad, held meetings today with Prime Minister Milojko Spajić and Minister of European Affairs Maida Gorčević, with whom they also held a joint press conference dedicated to Montenegro’s accession to the EU.

During talks with Prime Minister Milojko Spajić, the excellent results achieved in the negotiation process were welcomed, and the importance of the upcoming European Union and Western Balkans Summit, which will be held in Tivat, as well as Montenegro’s chairmanship of the Berlin Process, was emphasized. It was stressed that this represents confirmation of trust, but also an opportunity for the most advanced candidate country for membership to contribute to regional cooperation, connectivity, and the European perspective of the Western Balkans.

State Minister for Europe at the German Federal Foreign Office, Gunther Krichbaum, said that Montenegro is the frontrunner in the region and that, with a certain political will, the work can be completed by the end of the year.

“That depends on the country itself, but also on everyone involved in politics here, because we believe this is not only a matter for the Government. The opposition also has its responsibility,” Krichbaum said.

He emphasized that Germany highly values Montenegro’s engagement, especially now while it chairs the Berlin Process.

“It is cross-border engagement. It is not only about one’s own country, but about the entire region, and that also means the stabilization of the whole region,” Krichbaum said.

French Minister Benjamin Haddad said that Montenegro is making rapid progress, both in negotiations and in terms of growth and investment prospects.

“I truly want to congratulate you on the rapid and profound reforms you have carried out in the previous period. You have closed 14 chapters, you have launched the Working Group for drafting the Accession Treaty. You have an ambitious, but realistic timeframe for accession to the European Union,” Minister Haddad said.

Minister Gorčević stated that the support of the European Union member states has special value not only because of the closing of negotiating chapters, but also because of expert assistance, exchange of experiences, and preparation of institutions for functioning within the European Union.

“I would especially like to thank France and Germany for their continuous support for the European perspective of the Western Balkans. Their engagement gives additional strength to the enlargement policy and represents an important incentive for reform processes in our region,” Gorčević said.

She said that the upcoming European Union and Western Balkans Summit will be another opportunity to confirm the shared commitment to the European future of the region and to send a clear message that the enlargement policy remains one of the most successful European policies.

“It is particularly encouraging that the citizens of Montenegro continue to strongly support membership in the European Union. This shows that European integration is not only a priority of the Government, but a strategic commitment of society as a whole. Citizens expect more efficient institutions, a stronger rule of law, better economic opportunities, and a higher quality of life – precisely what European integration should bring. The months ahead will be of crucial importance for the completion of the negotiation process. I am confident that Montenegro has the knowledge, capacity, and political will to meet that challenge,” the minister said.

During their visit to Montenegro, Ministers Haddad and Krichbaum visited WB3C – the Regional Cybersecurity Centre. Their visit confirmed the importance of WB3C as a key platform for regional cooperation in the field of cybersecurity and the strong support of European partners for strengthening the cyber resilience of the Western Balkans.

Also, organized by the Konrad Adenauer Foundation (KAS), an informal discussion was held with KAS alumni on the topic of Montenegro’s accession to the EU. Participants discussed civic activism among young people and additional support from Germany and France for youth policies and NGOs. They exchanged opinions regarding the support of French citizens for EU enlargement and the ratification of the Accession Treaty with Montenegro. Minister Haddad said that France supports enlargement because it is a necessity.

“It is our responsibility to ensure the support of public opinion in the member states,” Haddad said.