Spajić meets with representatives of Bundestag's Committee on European Union Affairs: Western Balkans should focus on economy and EU path

Prime Minister Milojko Spajić met with representatives of the Bundestag's Committee on European Union Affairs.

During the meeting held in Berlin, Prime Minister Spajić underscored Montenegro's commitment to fostering excellent relations with all countries in the region. He highlighted the country's dedication to the Berlin Process, evident through the ratification of multiple mobility agreements.

Regarding the upcoming Western Balkans Summit in Kotor in mid-May, Prime Minister Spajić expressed the desire to gather all regional officials, acknowledging the challenges posed by the dynamic nature of relations in the region. He emphasised the need to reduce tensions and concentrate efforts on the economy and the EU accession process, focusing on citizen welfare and ensuring that politics do not hinder progress.

Addressing inquiries from Committee members, Prime Minister Spajić outlined two key business models crucial for exponential and sustainable economic development, a priority for the Government. He emphasised Montenegro's significant potential in renewable energy production, particularly through hydropower utilization, which plays a vital role in energy production balance. Additionally, he highlighted tourism as another avenue for Montenegro's advancement, with ongoing efforts to extend the tourist season throughout the year. Prime Minister Spajić also stressed the importance of increasing food production to meet the growing demand from tourists for local products.

Discussions with representatives of the Bundestag's Committee on European Union Affairs also covered EU integration and planned reforms. Prime Minister Spajić affirmed Montenegro's commitment to adopting EU values through the negotiation process, with a particular emphasis on the rule of law and integration into the European single market. Notably, advancements in the rule of law were highlighted as essential for Montenegro's EU path, with the full appointment of the Constitutional Court and the Judicial Council identified as critical for judicial reforms.

Regarding the regional context, discussions touched upon Montenegro's stance on Kosovo and the Srebrenica resolution. Prime Minister Spajić reiterated Montenegro's recognition of Kosovo's independence and support for its EU path, along with the Montenegrin Parliament's 2021 adoption of a resolution on Srebrenica.

Members of the Bundestag also inquired about the status of a large number of Ukrainians residing in Montenegro. Prime Minister Spajić affirmed Montenegro's commitment to providing Ukrainians with special status, ensuring access to healthcare and education, akin to that granted by the EU.

Chairman of the Committee, Anton Hofreiter, expressed hope for Montenegro's swift EU membership, emphasising the importance of demonstrating, through the integration process, Montenegro's commitment to refraining from employing blocking mechanisms once it becomes a full-fledged member of the European family.

The meeting was attended by members Josip Juratović (SPD), Axel Schäfer (SPD), Tilman Kuban (CDU/CSU), Boris Mijatović (Alliance 90/The Greens), Thomas Hacker (FDP), and Andrej Hunko (BSW).

During his official visit to Berlin, Prime Minister Spajić also attended a session with the Parliamentary Group for South East Europe in the Bundestag. Discussions with Bundestag members centered on relations within the parliamentary majority, planned reforms for better implementation of new legal frameworks aligned with the EU, and the significance of new media laws to counter foreign malign influence. Environmental preservation within the context of energy transition was also discussed, with Prime Minister Spajić affirming Montenegro's commitment to ecological principles outlined in the Constitution.

All projects undertaken in Montenegro prioritize environmental sustainability, with assurances from Prime Minister Spajić that no hydroelectric power plants will be constructed on the Tara River or any other protected rivers.

Attending this meeting were Bundestag members Josip Juratović (SPD), Michael Brand (CDU/CSU), Jasmina Hostert (SPD), Luiza Ličina-Bode (SPD), Dirk Vöpel (SPD), and Karl Bär (Alliance 90).