Minister of European Affairs Maida Gorčević had separate meetings today with the ambassador of Slovenia and the ambassador of Spain in Montenegro, Bernarda Gradišnik and Raúl Bartolomé Molina.
Minister Gorčević informed the ambassadors about the current situation in the negotiation process and emphasized the Government’s strong determination to speed up the implementation of reforms in all areas, with a focus on the rule of law.
“This Government has a chance to live up to the expectations of the European Commission, and above all, the citizens of Montenegro, with serious work and results. We are determined to use this chance and ensure our citizens the long-awaited membership in the EU”, said the minister.
She said that this government has a lot of work to do to complete the negotiation process and implement all reforms, and expressed her belief that the government’s plans are ambitious but realistic.
The Minister thanked the Governments of Slovenia and Spain for their strong political support for the European integration of Montenegro and the Western Balkans and pointed out that expert support for Montenegrin institutions within numerous negotiation chapters is particularly valuable.
The Ambassador of Slovenia, Bernarda Gradišnik, said that Montenegro can continue to count on Slovenia’s unreserved support in the negotiation process with the EU.
“We look forward to your every step forward and will continue to support you so that you meet all the conditions and become the next member of the EU,” said Gradišnik.
Spanish Ambassador Raúl Bartolomé Molina said that Montenegro is part of Europe and that european integration of the Western Balkan countries is equally in the interest of the region and the EU, and expressed expectations that the new government will show full commitment to implementing reforms on the way to the EU.
“Montenegro and Spain nurture good bilateral relations, and we will strive to further strengthen our partnership through cooperation within NATO and the EU. Spain has always been on the side of the enlargement policy, and in that context, we will continue to support your further progress towards full membership in the EU”, said Molina.
The interlocutors exchanged opinions regarding the necessary expert support and concrete modalities of cooperation.
