Proactive approach of EU members towards the enlargement policy is important for WB

Proactive approach of EU member states and a clear consciousness about the significance of the enlargement policy is of key importance for further development of the European integration in the Western Balkans – State Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ljubomir Mišurović stated in Madrid where he attended the panel within the framework of “EU’s next enlargement: Prospects and pitfalls” event.

At the Conference, hosted by the Elcano Royal Institute, Bled Strategic Forum, Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia in Madrid and Carlos de Amberes Foundation, a session was organized which was attended by, along Ambassador Misurovic, State Secretary for the EU in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Spain Juan Gonzalez Barba, State Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Slovenia Gašper Dovžan, Deputy Prime Minister for European Affairs of North Macedonia Nikola Dmitrov, Minister of European Integration of the Republic of Serbia Jadranka Joksimović and Deputy Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Albania Megi Fino. Participants stated that integration of the Western Balkans states is a geostrategic interest of the European Union, and that it has a transformative character for the countries of the region from societal, economic and security aspects. In spite of numerous challenges and regional bilateral topics, it is important to maintain the European vision and accelerate the negotiations process.

Ambassador Mišurović remarked that integration of countries of our region would secure stability of the European continent which is important for its competitiveness on a global level.

Prospects of EU membership are a driving force for reforms in the Western Balkans – State Secretary Mišurović pointed out. He expressed gratitude to Slovenia for their efforts in maintaining the enlargement policy high on the agenda during their chairmanship of the EU Council, reminding that the Union confirmed that the region is in its geostrategic interest.

He expressed his expectation for the new negotiation methodology to contribute to acceleration of reforms through a more intensive political dialogue, adding that strong support of citizens to Montenegro’s membership in the EU gives an additional boost to continue more dynamically with reforms in order to provide a better, European standard of living.

Ambassador Mišurović said that we are aware of challenges, but are also ready to solve them with all participants in the Montenegrin society, in which we expect the support of European partners.

First meeting between MFA State Secretaries of Montenegro and Spain

After the Panel, Ambassador Mišurović had a bilateral meeting with Juan Gonzalez Barba, which is the first meeting between State Secretaries of two countries Ministries of Foreign Affairs.

State Secretary Barba announced that he will visit Podgorica in the first quarter of the next year, which presents a clear signal of Spain’s dedication to the Eastern Balkans region. He assessed that Montenegro is a leader in the process of European Integration, whereby he encouraged our country to continue negotiations and invest additional energy in realizing this goal. He conveyed Spain’s readiness to intensify bilateral relations with Montenegro through strengthening the political dialogue.

Ambassador Mišurović expressed gratitude to Spain for the support which is of great importance for the realization of our foreign policy goal. He expressed the significance of the recently opened Consulate in Podgorica, in the context of connecting between the two countries and improving bilateral ties. Continuation of intensive communication was greed, especially in the light of State Secretary Barba’s upcoming visit to Montenegro.