Deputy Chief Negotiator Marko Mrdak assessed that each enlargement of the European Union contributes to the democratisation of the entire continent, and Montenegro, as the most successful candidate for membership, will continue at a positive pace, with the necessary motivation and support of the Union.
Mrdak participated in the Economic Forum in Poland, which brought together more than 4,000 participants – leaders from the political, economic and social spheres from 60 countries in Europe, Asia and America, and more than 500 journalists.
Speaking on a panel discussion “Should enlargement policy return to the EU agenda?”, the Deputy Chief Negotiator said that the EU enlargement process was not a short-term political move but a generational choice based on democratic principles and core values, emphasising that this policy should not be in the shadow of the constant challenges EU is facing.
“From an economic, political and security standpoint, the membership of the Western Balkan countries in the EU is a mutual interest. In economic terms, the EU is the largest trading partner with the Western Balkan countries, while in political and security terms, the soft power of the EU plays an essential role in supporting the reform process, as the absence of this influence can create a distance between the EU and the Western Balkans, geopolitical players can take advantage of it later”, Mrdak noted.
Mrdak pointed out that Montenegro was aware that previous enlargement experiences had led the EU to adopt the most stringent approach in the negotiating framework so far, which required additional efforts and quality in the implementation of reforms.
“We are aware that Montenegro is negotiating in the most demanding negotiating terms so far, which will ultimately result in the construction of a stable and credible EU member state in future”, Mrdak concluded.
Deputy Chief Negotiator Mrdak stressed that Montenegro now face many challenges, so the negotiating structure is committed to meet by 2025 all the necessary requirements in order to end the process of the EU Accession Negotiations.
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