DPM Simović takes part in CEI summit in Zagreb: EU enlargement process is main driving force behind positive changes in region

The CEI is a regional intergovernmental forum committed to supporting European integration and sustainable development, with the strategic goal of supporting its members that are not part of the European Union on the path to the EU through the promotion of European values and standards and the implementation of small and medium-sized projects through intergovernmental, parliamentary and business cooperation. Montenegro successfully chaired this regional mechanism in 2010.

The host of this year's Summit, dedicated to "Building Safety, Boosting Economy, Enabling Prosperity," was Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković.

In his presentation at the plenary session, DPM Simović pointed out that in the last 12 years, since the restoration of independence, Montenegro has clearly confirmed its commitment to joint action within this regional mechanism. He said that the Initiative for almost thirty years has been a framework for productive cooperation in many areas and cooperation that contributed to the momentum for positive changes in the region and the opening of new pages of our common history.

The Deputy Prime Minister stressed that Montenegro has been committed to establishing and strengthening connections with the region of the Western Balkans, the EU and beyond, and that the constructive and honest role of Montenegro in these processes is recognised and considered one of its significant achievements.

"We learned from history that only stable and secure Western Balkans means more stable and secure Europe. Therefore, a safer region is in the interest of all our international partners," DPM Simović stressed, adding that Montenegro has responded to challenges by joining NATO, being a regional leader on the path of EU integration, strengthening and fostering regional cooperation, preserving multi-ethnic harmony and achieving economic development.

 

He emphasised that there is a clear consensus that the enlargement process is the main driving force behind the positive changes in the region. He confirmed Montenegro's willingness to share its experience and the results it has achieved in the integration processes with everyone.

The Deputy Prime Minister concluded by noting that we are entering the key period for the European perspective of the region. 

"We need to be aware that social, economic and security transformation can bring great opportunities to our societies. The decisive process of European integration, which would be carried out by regional and EU leaders, would help the region resolve its bilateral disputes, improve the rule of law and encourage economic transformation," DPM Simović underscored.

The Summit adopted four documents, namely the CEI Guidelines and Rules of Procedure, Report on Implementation of the CEI Action Plan for 2018-2020 for 2018, Decision on the Election of Robert Antonione for the new CEI Secretary-General and the Final List of Projects to be Financed from the Cooperation Fund in 2019.

By sponsoring this Summit, Croatia is bringing its presidency of the CEI to an end, and Italy is taking over the presidency of the Initiative.