Prime Minister Abazović addresses the 18th Bled Strategic Forum: Montenegro - a Euro-Optimistic nation and a prime opportunity for EU enlargement

Montenegro is a nation that embraces a Euro-optimistic outlook. With a firm commitment to battling corruption and organized crime, and amicable relations with its neighbours, Montenegro emerges as an exceptional candidate for EU enlargement. It may be a sensitive question, but it's worth pondering: do EU leaders truly know what they want? We do. Montenegro unequivocally desires to become an integral part of the EU. Prime Minister Dritan Abazović conveyed this resounding message today during the Leaders' Panel at the 18th Bled Strategic Forum, held under the theme "Solidarity for Global Security".

Prime Minister Abazović emphasised that, if the EU wishes to pursue enlargement, a mutually beneficial path must be forged. He commented, "This is a matter of stability, economic development, and life in a globalized world, especially considering the situation in Ukraine. Continuing to postpone enlargement could pave the way for euroskepticism and the influence of third parties interested in the Western Balkans. Nations in this region might lose enthusiasm for joining the European Union if the process is delayed further."

Addressing the issue of labour force shortage in Montenegro, Prime Minister Abazović remarked, "Our people are integrated into the EU, working there and greatly missed here. How can they be sought after in the EU while our states are not? The answer is straightforward — if we wait for EU membership for them to return, the EU will never open its doors to us. We must not view the Balkans as a crisis-ridden and conflict-prone region but rather as an area ripe for contributing to the European Union's development."

Prime Minister Abazović stressed the importance of fairness in the EU accession process. He said, "The rules should be clear. I want to emphasise that Montenegro is not selfish when it comes to the accession process; we support the membership of every nation into the EU, including Ukraine. However, waiting for a conflict to erupt in the Balkans before expanding is not a wise strategy. We need to think strategically and facilitate timely membership for states that are ready or will be ready in the near future."

In conclusion, Prime Minister Abazović urged, "The Western Balkans nations are on the right track; please do not leave us on our own. In good company, we can achieve great success."