PM Krivokapić meets with EU Member States Ambassadors

Prime Minister Zdravko Krivokapić had a working breakfast with the Ambassadors of the EU Member States in Montenegro. The meeting, hosted by Head of Delegation of the European Union to Montenegro Oana Cristina Popa and Ambassador of the Republic of Slovenia to Montenegro Gregor Presker, presented the priorities of Slovenia, which took over the presidency of the EU Council.

Prime Minister Krivokapić expressed his satisfaction with the reunion and the opportunity to discuss the latest activities regarding Montenegro's European integration with diplomatic representatives, as well as the implementation of reforms.

The Prime Minister reiterated the fact that membership in the European Union is, without a doubt, Montenegro's strategic goal and a commitment that has no better alternative, adding that Montenegro highly appreciates unequivocal support for the European perspective of Montenegro and the Western Balkans, which the European Union has once again confirmed with a new proposal for a negotiation methodology.

I hope that the ambitious pace that the new Government has imposed on itself in order to positively end the accession negotiations as soon as possible will be accelerated, especially during Slovenia's presidency of the Council of the European Union, on which I congratulate you once again. Every day, with our activities and unwavering adherence to the principles of professionalism, expertise, impartiality, fairness, but also tolerance, inclusiveness and understanding, both in the implementation of domestic and foreign policies, we prove our determination to complete the reform process, which includes, we hope, and negotiating process. This Government is ready to work day and night, so that Montenegro joins the European Union in 2024. Not on the basis of any privileges, but on the basis of good results, Krivokapić said.

The Prime Minister said that the rule of law remains the backbone of the negotiation process and that the Government is committed to reforms in the field of rule of law, but that it does not want to implement any solution that would not be completely in line with European practices.

The Government does not want to deal with political problems that are usually not essential, but are imposed as if they were fateful. Our task is to turn the provisional benchmarks for Chapters 23 and 24 into final ones. When that happens, it will mean that we have made a step forward that guarantees us EU accession by 2024. The Government has made a list of self-assessments which will be our internal indicator that will show us at what level of access we are and how much we need to get an A, said the Prime Minister.

Krivokapić pointed out that the Government will do everything in its power to raise the living standard to a higher level, complete unfinished infrastructure projects, and start new ones, in parallel with reforms in the judiciary and governing bodies.

We divided all projects into five related segments. The first project concerning the road infrastructure and which we want to implement as soon as possible will be the road Plužine - Sarajevo. The second project, the motorway, which is inextricably linked with the third project, and that is the Port of Bar. We believe that the activation of the Port of Bar in its full potential is the most important economic project in Montenegro. Otherwise, if we do not activate the Port, it will remain our security problem and the place where shady business takes place. The fourth project concerns the Adriatic - Ionian motorway, so that our citizens and guests can get from one end of the country to the other faster. The fifth project is the Adriatic-Ionian gas pipeline. Of course, we should also mention the "green projects" concerning renewable energy sources, Krivokapić said.

The Prime Minister also spoke about Montenegro's commitment to regional cooperation and good neighbourly relations, which are one of the key priorities of Montenegro's foreign policy, and that Montenegro has no open issues with its neighbours, which is an important factor in its negotiation position.

Ambassador of the Republic of Slovenia to Montenegro Gregor Presker presented the priorities of Slovenia's presidency of the Council of the European Union, saying that the main goal of that country is to help improve the EU's resilience and contribute to a more efficient response to various crises that exceed the capacities of individual EU member states.

Slovenia will organise a series of events and encourage a broad debate on the basic issues of the European future. We want to present a culture of the rule of law through a constructive dialogue, to promote a safe and secure EU, as well as to provide support to the countries of the Western Balkans and their path to the EU, Presker said.

The Slovenian Ambassador said that Slovenia would focus its efforts on the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic and the strengthening of European cyber security.

Pandemic and cyber resilience have significant cross-border effects and therefore require a joint response at EU level and Slovenia will focus on that. We will strive for economic recovery of the countries in the region, and in order to ensure sustainable development, Slovenia will cooperate with the countries of the Western Balkans to make green and digital transition a reality, and to improve connectivity within the region and with the EU and ensure a positive perspective for young people,  Presker concluded.