“The Government, the Parliament and the entire negotiation structure are committed to dynamizing obligations with the aim of closing the first set of negotiation chapters by the end of the year,” said Minister of European Affairs Maida Gorčević.
Today, she met the newly appointed EU ambassador to Montenegro, Johann Sattler.
Gorčević introduced Sattler with the work plan to complete the reforms in all negotiation chapters. She pointed out that, in addition to the activities leading to the fulfillment of the final benchmarks, Montenegro is preparing, especially through the strengthening of administrative capacities, for the obligations and opportunities that will arise after full membership in the EU.
Ambassador Sattler welcomed the work on obtaining IBAR, as a starting point for a new dynamic phase of negotiations.
He said that the Ministry of European Affairs and the Government of Montenegro can count on full support and cooperation with the EU Delegation and him personally in the upcoming period. As he pointed out, the Delegation will continue to be a partner and hub of cooperation with the EU, but it is important to intensify communication with member states in the coming period.
The interlocutors exchanged opinions regarding the visit of the Working Party on Enlargement and Countries Negotiating Accession to the EU (COELA), which will be in Montenegro in the coming days.
They agreed that the organization of meetings of COELA members with representatives of the Government, the Parliament and the civil sector represents a good example of cooperation with EU member states and an opportunity to present the achieved results and further plans on the way to the EU.
Gorčević and Sattler also exchanged opinions on the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, agreeing that this initiative brings many benefits, both for Montenegro and the region. As they pointed out, the funds from the Growth Plan will be a reward for implemented reforms and will contribute to improving the quality of life of citizens.