Spajić addresses European Parliament's Committee on Foreign Affairs

All the efforts undertaken within the first five months of the 44th Government's mandate aimed to accelerate Montenegro's European path, and the results are evident. Montenegro remains a frontrunner in integration process and is now swiftly progressing towards full EU membership, stated Prime Minister Milojko Spajić at the meeting of the European Parliament's Committee on Foreign Affairs in Brussels.

The Prime Minister emphasised that EU membership is a key foreign policy priority, and in this endeavor, Montenegro is not seeking shortcuts but is fully committed to meeting the required reforms.

The inclusiveness demonstrated by the Government in resolving the census issue contributed to reducing polarization, enabling open dialogue, which led to immense support for all significant decisions, particularly in the field of rule of law.

Montenegro is not the same country that initiated the negotiation process 12 years ago. The transformation of the entire society is evident, with institutional and legislative frameworks almost entirely reformed. For instance, within the judiciary, we have created a new legal framework to combat corruption and organised crime. The administrative capacities of existing institutions have been strengthened, and new ones have been established, notably the Special State Prosecutor's Office and the Anti-Corruption Agency, highlighted Prime Minister Spajić, adding, "We can affirm that the capacities of institutions combating corruption and organised crime have led to overall improvements in this area compared to the previous period."

The Prime Minister stressed that Montenegro's goal is to seize the current window of opportunity regarding enlargement policy and to obtain the Interim Benchmark Assessment Report (IBAR) during the current Belgian presidency.

With the assessment that progress on the path to the EU must be merit-based, Prime Minister Milojko Spajić emphasised that Montenegro's accession to the EU would not only demonstrate the Union's commitment to enlargement but also send a clear message to the region.

Such an act would symbolize the active nature of the enlargement policy, while demonstrating EU unity and its ongoing path towards strengthening and greater inclusivity, Spajić emphasised.

Numerous members of the European Parliament's Committee on Foreign Affairs in Brussels and parliamentarians confirmed that Montenegro is a frontrunner in negotiations.

We must highlight the fact that Montenegro's EU path is back on track. I believe this also contributes to this new momentum and another successful Intergovernmental Conference and chapter closure. This is a clear sign of encouragement that, I hope, all involved will acknowledge. I look forward to hearing the Montenegrin language in the corridors of the European Parliament soon, stated MEP and Chair of the Delegation to the EU-Montenegro Stabilisation and Association Parliamentary Committee Vladimír Bilčík.

Prime Minister Milojko Spajić concluded that the integration process is exceptionally challenging and full of challenges but reiterated Montenegro's determination to persevere and serve as an example to the entire region.