Prime Minister’s Adviser Milica Perišić attends Western Balkans Sherpa Meeting in Szeged

Montenegro is optimistic about closing four negotiation chapters by the end of Hungary's EU Council Presidency, which would solidify its leadership position in the EU integration process, said Milica Perišić, Prime Minister’s Foreign Policy Adviser and National Coordinator for the Berlin Process.

She participated in the Western Balkans Sherpa meeting in Hungary, chaired by Hungary’s Minister for European Affairs János Bóka.

The first panel discussed the state of EU accession negotiations for Western Balkan countries and Hungary’s presidency plans, while the second focused on regional connectivity with the EU's internal market and accelerated integration through the Growth Plan.

Perišić emphasised the importance of keeping the enlargement process high on the EU agenda, especially following the recent European Parliament elections, and stressed that EU reform and enlargement must proceed in parallel. She also expressed Montenegro's gratitude for Hungary’s support in the European integration journey.

Additionally, Perišić highlighted the Growth Plan as an effective tool to drive necessary reforms, reinvigorate the accession process, and demonstrate to citizens the economic benefits of EU integration, which go beyond political negotiations.

Hungary reaffirmed its commitment to advancing the enlargement process in line with the revised methodology, focusing on a merit-based approach and considering the EU’s capacity to absorb new members.

The Growth Plan aims to enhance governance, economic development, and social progress in the Western Balkans through targeted reforms and strategic initiatives, promoting sustainable growth and inclusive, resilient societies.

The meeting concluded with Hungary’s pledge to accelerate the Western Balkans' integration into the EU and its Single Market, aiming to double economic growth through structural changes and modernization.