As he stated, it is a significant achievement that confirms that membership in the European Union is no longer a distant wish, but a realistic and achievable goal. He added that the report is not only a technical assessment of chapters and benchmarks, but also a political assessment of the state’s current position and upcoming obligations.
Šarec pointed out that the goal of concluding the negotiations by the end of 2026 is ambitious, but achievable, stressing that the key will be implementation, especially in chapters 23 and 24, which, he said, remain the backbone of the accession process.
Without the cooperation of the opposition, as he said, that process will not be possible, which is why it is necessary to reach an agreement, adding that the platform presented by the opposition represents a good basis for further dialogue.
Šarec also pointed to the geopolitical position of Montenegro, stating that the country is fully aligned with the common foreign and security policy of the EU, and that as a member of NATO and a reliable partner, it has clearly demonstrated its European and Euro-Atlantic orientation.
He assessed that enlargement today is not only a technical process, but also a strategic investment in European security, stability and resilience, which is why the report also deals with issues of foreign interference, misinformation and hybrid threats.
He assessed that Montenegro is no longer proving its commitment to Europe, but its ability to implement the final reforms necessary for membership.
Šarec concluded that the report represents both an acknowledgment of the progress achieved and a plan for the remaining obligations, stating that the challenges are real, but also an opportunity, and reminded that two more negotiation chapters were closed yesterday, increasing their number to 16 out of a total of 33.
He added that Montenegro, if it continues to achieve results, has every chance of becoming the next member of the European Union, noting that the European Union must also fulfill its part of obligations.
