Krivokapić meets with Lajčak: I believe that Montenegro will be the first next EU member

On the last day of his visit to Greece, on the sidelines of the Delphi Economic Forum, Prime Minister Zdravko Krivokapić met with Special Representative for the Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue and other Western Balkan regional issues Miroslav Lajčák.

The Prime Minister expressed satisfaction with the meeting with the EU Special Representative and said that dynamic communication with representatives of the European Union and member states is a confirmation of the Government of Montenegro's commitment to become a member of the European Union.

"We believe in the process of European integration and our European perspective. The Government is working at full capacity to fulfill the obligations from the European agenda in order to create the conditions for Montenegro to become a full member as soon as possible," said PM Krivokapić.

EU Special Representative Miroslav Lajčák said that one of the EU's priorities is the European integration of the Western Balkans, and that the EU needs the Western Balkans. He pointed out that he was pleased to see further progress of Montenegro on its European path through decisive reforms. He especially emphasised the compliance of Montenegro with the European Union's Common Foreign and Security Policy, which, as he said, sends a strong political message, which should be continued. He also said that Montenegro is in a good position to be the first country in the region to become an EU member.

Prime Minister Krivokapić informed the EU Special Representative about the activities in the fight against corruption and organized crime and pointed out that the Government of Montenegro will ensure the rule of law. "In that sense, we do not see an alternative. The Government is determined to face all challenges so that Montenegro is ready for membership as soon as possible. "

The two officials agreed that Montenegro is an important factor of stability in the Western Balkans, and expressed confidence that the internal political situation will be stabilized, in order to strengthen inter-party support for the integration process. In that context, Lajčák emphasised that the European Union will continue to provide support to Montenegro.