Radulović meets with EU Commissioner Johannes Hahn

Minister of Foreign Affairs Đorđe Radulović met with EU Commissioner for Budget and Administration Johannes Hahn in Vienna. The war in Ukraine has changed reality in which we think about our future and decisions. When it comes to the European integration of Montenegro and other countries in the Western Balkans, it brought clarity to the fact that there is no time to lose, Radulović said.

Speaking about Montenegro, a leader in the process of EU integration, the Montenegrin Foreign Minister pointed out that "accelerated integration" is very important, and that this term, as part of the "New Methodology" in the negotiations, does not mean shortcuts for our country, but gradual and concrete integration, with clear and tangible results. Montenegro truly wants to implement the necessary reforms in the coming period and as such become part of the European family of nations, as it has shown in the new geopolitical circumstances.

EU Commissioner for Budget and Administration Johannes Hahn said that witnessing the war means that Europe will need to solve the crisis on several levels, primarily when it comes to taking care of refugees, humanitarian approach, energy, impact on the economy. In that context, however, as he emphasised, the EU fully keeps in mind the importance of the enlargement policy, as well as the fact that countries like Montenegro are at the forefront in that process.

At the same time, Hahn pointed out that the Union appreciates the fact that Montenegro fully follows its Common Foreign and Security Policy, but that, as he said, restrictive measures need to be implemented.

Minister Radulović said that Montenegro has shown unity with its European partners, in the light of the new geopolitical reality. Therefore, he thanked for the decision of the European Council to assist the countries of the region, including Montenegro, in reducing energy dependence on third parties. Bearing in mind that the war in Ukraine will have far-reaching negative impact on the world economy, the importance of a solidarity approach was pointed out during the meeting, so that impact would be as painless as possible for the citizens.