Radulović, Guimaraes: Resolving political crisis is necessary for progress on European path

Minister of Foreign Affairs Đorđe Radulović met today with Fernando Andresen Guimaraes, Diplomatic Adviser to the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen. Harmonization with the Common Foreign and Security Policy of the European Union is necessary for the integration process, and what we are witnessing at the moment proves that common challenges require joint action, but also indicate the need for a more assertive role of the EU in the region, said Foreign Minister Radulović.

Minister Radulović reminded that Montenegro, as a credible candidate for membership, is 100% in line with EU decisions and positions, including joining restrictive measures against the Russian Federation, which, after being adopted by the Cabinet, become part of the country's legal system.

Diplomatic Adviser Guimaraes stressed the importance of solidarity in response to the war in Ukraine, stressing that the EU highly appreciates the fact that Montenegro has so far made efforts that have resulted in full compliance. He said that despite a very difficult moment, the Union's commitment to Montenegro is undisputed, but also that progress on our European path is related to resolving the political crisis, which would unblock institutions and enable the work of the legislative and executive branches. Guimaraes added that the EU has full understanding of the difficulties that the crisis could cause, and stressed its readiness to provide economic and technical support.

Emphasising that after the escalation of the conflict in Ukraine, the candidate countries must view their European path as a national interest, Minister Radulović said that this process is a two-way street. In that context, he emphasised the need for the Union to clearly encourage the countries that have shown consistency by accelerating the integration process.

The Western Balkans is at the heart of Europe and deserves a clear political will that will keep the process of integration of Western Balkan countries alive, said Foreign Minister Radulović in Brussels, where he participates in the European Humanitarian Forum.