Drljević and Presker: EU to show commitment to the region, and countries to continue with reforms

The European Union must show commitment to the Western Balkans and a readiness for enlargement, was concluded during a meeting between Chief Negotiator Aleksandr Drljević and the new ambassador of Slovenia to Podgorica, Gregor Presker. They assessed that Montenegro should continue with planned reforms and activities in order to move faster towards the Union.

Drljevic stressed that the prospect of EU membership remains a major driver of reform and a source of stability in the Western Balkans.

"That is why it is important that the accession of the countries of the region remain high on the EU agenda and that strong political support for the reforms be continually present in the bilateral relations of the Member States and in the communication of European officials with Montenegro and its neighbors. Despite all the developments within the EU, as well as in every aspiring state, we are pleased that Montenegro still has enthusiasm for EU accession, as confirmed by the latest opinion poll, "said the chief negotiator.

Ambassador Presker emphasized that the excellent bilateral relations between the two countries were further strengthened by the NATO alliance and conveyed Slovenia's readiness to continue supporting Montenegro on its way to the EU. He praised the Alliance for Europe initiative and the involvement of society as a whole in the dialogue on European integration, with a view to faster progress and strengthening mutual trust.

Drljević and Presker also exchanged views on the new enlargement methodology and agreed that any model that would help faster and better integration of the region into the EU, while respecting individual results, is more than welcome.

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