PODGORICA – Montenegro’s membership in NATO is a big step for a country on its way to be part of the European family, said Andrej Kovačev, member of EP, in an interview for Pobjeda.
In addition to European integration, he believes that an important aspect of NATO membership is also a reduced impact of the Kremlin.
“Montenegro clearly shows its Euro-Atlantic interests and its readiness to become a member of the EU, instead of aligning it with the political and social views of Moscow”
Nevertheless, he stresses, there are still problems related to high-level corruption, organized crime, nationalist rhetoric of some national parties and media freedom.
“Therefore, Montenegro should focus on these problems, whose resolution would ultimately result in full accession to the European family. Without a dilemma, it is very important for the EU to become Montenegro as a member, because this would not only strengthen the position of the state in the global political arena, it would also be a crucial step towards peace and stability in the Western Balkans. ” said Kovačev.
Montenegro’s NATO membership, Kovačev believes, is very important for the country and the region, as it will produce more political certainty and long-term stability for citizens.
“In addition, membership will ensure faster and more effective integration into the EU, something that is taken into account when discussing Montenegro’s future accession. On the other hand, Montenegro will serve as an example to neighbors in the Western Balkans. This can lead to an increased presence of NATO in the future, which would result in unification and a safer region, ” Kovačev explained
Montenegro needs political dialogue
Kovačev also commented on the boycott of the opposition, saying that this could negatively affect the European integration of the state.
“The political instability that is taking place in Montenegro due to the opposition boycott of parliament can have negative consequences on the European integration of the state. Montenegro has been characterized several times as a successful example in the Western Balkans, but in the past months we witnessed protests that create tensions and instability. No “successful story” can be guaranteed. Montenegro needs political dialogue. We must go through freedom and democracy every day. Therefore, despite the current problems facing Montenegro, it is necessary to support the European aspirations of the state in order to maintain the path of Euro-Atlantic development and not to allow citizens to become victims of external interests and pressure from other countries, ” Kovačev concluded.