European Commissioner for Enlargement, Marta Kos, said on Thursday in Podgorica, during a meeting with Montenegrin Prime Minister Milojko Spajic, that she "encourages Montenegro to work even harder if it wants to close the negotiation chapters with the EU by 2026."
She emphasized that "Montenegro has the opportunity to complete the negotiations during her mandate and that Montenegrin President Jakov Milatović and Prime Minister Milojko Spajić have confirmed that the citizens want such a thing."
Ms. Kos said that all political actors must work in accordance with the wishes of citizens for EU entry.
"Expansion must include all layers of society, institutions," she said.
"Montenegro has a historic opportunity and there is no time to waste. I am counting on you to make me proud," said the Enlargement Commissioner.
Ms. Kos said that the best way forward is to involve the opposition and support reforms, and added that it must also be understood that parliament is a place to discuss differences.
"I expect the majority in parliament to support the reforms," said Ms. Kos.
Marta Kos expressed her condolences to the families of those killed in the tragedy in Cetina on January 1 and wished a speedy recovery to the injured.
Montenegrin Prime Minister Milojko Spajic said that the visit of European Commissioner for Enlargement, Marta Kos, is a great obligation for Montenegro to work even harder.
"It is a great honor and a great obligation for us to close the chapters by 2026. We must focus on reforms that require and require a compromise between the government and the opposition," Mr. Spajic said.
Montenegro is the first Western Balkan country that Marta Kos visits in her capacity as Commissioner for Enlargement.
Montenegro has made the most progress in the accession process in the Western Balkans and is seen as the first future member of the EU.
Following a positive assessment of transitional standards in the areas of the rule of law, the country has emerged from a multi-year stalemate in membership negotiations and is working to close all chapters in the membership process./ VOA (A2 Televizion)
A2 CNN Livestream
MUND TE LEXONI GJITHASHTU
