“This is a historic day for Montenegro and the European Union” – was the message from the Intergovernmental Conference in Brussels, where our country received a positive Interim Benchmark Assessment Report (IBAR). Montenegro’s success over the past six months confirms that reforms pay off, and that the enlargement process is alive and merit-based, as emphasized during the conference.
Prime Minister Milojko Spajić stated that Montenegro must not repeat the years of stagnation and waiting for reforms, which essentially improve the standard and quality of life for Montenegrin citizens.
“Today, alongside the positive IBAR in the area of the rule of law, we will finally fully unlock the opportunity to close other chapters for the first time in the last seven years. This is a reason for celebration, but also a new source of hope for our EU path,” Prime Minister Spajić highlighted during the Intergovernmental Conference chaired by Belgian Foreign Minister Hadja Lahbib.
“We started the Belgian EU presidency with a meeting with Montenegro and conclude it in the same way. You promised results and delivered them. Chapters 23 and 24 are the heart of the negotiating process, and further progress depends on you – you hold the keys,” emphasized Lahbib.
European Commissioner for Neighborhood and Enlargement Oliver Varhelyi congratulated Montenegro on the exceptional work done to achieve the IBAR, as well as the efforts in meeting strict EU standards.
“IBAR is an achievement that signals you are entering the final phase of the negotiation process. This is a strong political signal to the people of Montenegro that the enlargement process is alive. This is a historic moment for all candidate countries, as it is the first time a country has received an IBAR since Croatia, which is a great message,” Varhelyi stressed.
Representatives from all member states praised the Government and Parliament’s performance during the previous period.
“Montenegro has once again demonstrated its commitment to the European Union and positioned itself as a leader in integration. We commend your efforts and determination to uphold the values cherished by the great European family. Montenegro has done everything to return to the right European path, and politically, I hope you will stay on that path. Other candidate countries will look up to you, which is why your success is important. Now, we, as the European Union, must show commitment to support you in your efforts,” stated Marko Stucin, Slovenia’s Minister for European Affairs.
During the meeting, it was emphasized that Montenegro is an important partner of the European Union in the Western Balkans and that enlargement is a significant geopolitical and strategic goal important for Europe’s stability.
With the final benchmarks for Chapters 23 and 24, Montenegro received support from all EU member states, as well as a message that the final stage of negotiations requires maintaining focus and equal commitment to reforms as in the previous period.
Prime Minister Milojko Spajić led the delegation at the Intergovernmental Conference, which was also attended by Minister of European Affairs Maida Gorčević, Minister of Foreign Affairs Filip Ivanović, and Chief EU Negotiator Predrag Zenović, among others.
