Ministers Radulović and Roth: Germany is a friend and one of the most important promoters of the EU enlargement policy

"Germany is a proven friend and ally of Montenegro, and we can count on its support in the process of reforms and overcoming all challenges on the European path," said Foreign Minister Đorđe Radulović in a telephone conversation with the State Minister for Europe at the German Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs Michael Roth.

Minister Radulović reminded that the two countries are developing a meaningful political dialogue, which should be further improved, having in mind the importance of good and friendly relations with Germany, as one of the most influential EU members, for our European commitment.

On that occasion, he reminded that since the formation of the new Government, the first visit was made to Berlin, and that after that, Prime Minister Krivokapić and Chancellor Merkel had a video meeting. He thanked his interlocutor for the expert medical assistance of Germany during the pandemic.

"Sending medical workers and experts from eminent German health institutions to Montenegro, in order to strengthen our capacities in the fight against COVID-19, is a clear signal of commitment and strong bilateral ties," Radulovic said. He also stressed the importance of the EU's vaccine distribution mechanism, as an indicator that EU is highly devoted to Western Balkans, even in challenging times”.

When it comes to the process of European integration, the head of Montenegrin diplomacy pointed out the importance of organizing the Montenegro- EU Intergovernmental Conference in June, within the Portuguese presidency over the Union, and in that context asked for German support on this issue. "Germany is traditionally the strongest promoter of EU enlargement, which we greatly appreciate. We are Europeans and we belong to the European family, " he emphasized.

Minister Roth underlined the importance of the Western Balkans for the EU, emphasizing that "our position on this region is crystal clear - we support our partners in all reform processes and we are in close communication with our colleagues in Lisbon, as the current chairman, on promotion of the enlargement policies."

He added that it is up to the EU to encourage candidate countries in their efforts in the process of European integration, as well as to make concrete decisions at the highest level, as a clear positive signal towards this important region for the Union.

The interlocutors also emphasized the importance of holding the Conference on the Future of Europe, which will begin on May 9, Europe Day. It is expected that the candidate countries will be given the opportunity to participate in the Conference as an open forum for exchanging views on all important issues regarding the future perspective of the EU.

They also stressed that it is crucial to enable candidate countries to present their achievements so far in an open dialogue, but also to share experiences and potential challenges. Minister Radulović added that Montenegro proves the seriousness of the approach to the integration process by adopting the New Methodology, as well as that there is  strong political will to implement reforms in Chapters 23 and 24, with quality, bearing in mind that they represent the cornerstone of the overall legal and social order.