PODGORICA – “You can count on us, which is why I have come to Montenegro three times this year”, stated Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission last night in Podgorica.
She stressed that Montenegro had made progress in reforms “and that is why it had so many closed chapters”, adding that “EU membership is within reach, which will send a strong message to the Western Balkans”, it was reported by Vijesti.
“We believe in Montenegro ’28 by 28’. And we will support you all the way. The finish line is in sight. And crossing it would send a powerful signal across the Western Balkans: Reforms deliver. And EU membership is within reach”, President of the EC stated at a joint press conference with Prime Minister of Montenegro Milojko Spajić.
She underlined that “the work is now advancing to prepare your Accession Treaty”.
“Next week the European Commission will present its pre-enlargement policy reviews to make sure the EU is ready to welcome new members. You are getting ready, so are we”, Ursula von der Leyen remarked.
In addition, she noted that Montenegro leads the region with over 90 percent of commitments implemented under the Growth Plan.
“Accession is based on merit, but it should not be slow. That is why we will soon present roadmaps for the most advanced candidates, including Montenegro, to see what everyone needs to do and by when”, Ursula von der Leyen announced, it was reported by Vijesti.
Prime Minister Milojko Spajić said that “this the lag” on the road to the EU and that “the Government will not relax”
“These few miles are a challenge, but we are ready for the challenge. We have sent most of the chapters to the European Commission, we are ready for the assessments, we are ready for the criticism”, he underlined.
