The Minister of European Affairs, Maida Gorčević, met with a delegation of the Committee on the European Union of the Federal Council of the Republic of Austria, led by the Chair of the Committee Bernadette Geieregger. The delegation is on an official visit to Montenegro as part of continuous dialogue and exchange of experience in the field of European integration. The visit was an opportunity to discuss the final phase of the accession process and the next steps towards membership in the European Union.
During the meeting, special attention was paid to the dynamics of closing negotiation chapters and the Accession Treaty of Montenegro to the EU. On that occasion, continuous support from Austria for Montenegro’s European path was highlighted, with the assessment that the final steps are the most demanding, but also decisive for the successful completion of negotiations.
The Minister assessed that since the election of the 44th Government of Montenegro, a new dynamic in the negotiations has been established, with a clear focus on results and the accelerated closing of chapters. She particularly emphasized the importance of receiving the IBAR, which she described as a turning point in the European integration process, as well as the recent approval of the establishment of a Working Group for drafting the Accession Treaty of Montenegro to the European Union.
“This is a clear signal that we are entering the final phase of the European path, in which, in parallel with closing negotiation chapters, the Accession Treaty is being prepared as the legal and technical confirmation of the overall negotiation process,” Gorčević said.
During the meeting, representatives of the Austrian delegation expressed support for Montenegro’s European path and assessed that the country is achieving visible progress in the final phase of the negotiation process.
“Austria strongly supports Montenegro’s European path and recognizes the progress achieved in the final phase of negotiations. Montenegro shows consistent commitment to reforms and a clear European orientation, and we expect that the next steps will be successfully implemented in line with the dynamics of the enlargement process,” the delegation stated.
The Minister emphasized that the closing of chapters represents a deep transformation of the state through strengthening the overall system aligned with European standards. In this context, she pointed out that all processes are carried out in close cooperation with the European Commission and member states, including Austria, whose expert support has concrete and practical value in the implementation of reforms.
“We know what needs to be done and we have shown that we are a reliable partner. Every law and every reform is done in cooperation with the European Commission and experts from member states,” she said.
She also stressed that membership in the European Union is primarily a matter of values, stability, and quality of life.
“Membership in the European Union is not only a matter of financial support, but above all of values, the rule of law, stability, and quality of life. These are standards that the citizens of Montenegro clearly want,” she said.
She emphasized that Montenegro plays an active and constructive role in the European integration process, not only as a candidate, but as a partner contributing to common European policies.
“Montenegro does not see itself only as a beneficiary of European policies, but as an active participant in their creation and implementation. Our contribution is reflected in stability, reliability, and an important geostrategic potential we bring to the Western Balkans region,” Gorčević said.
Speaking about the final phase of the process, Gorčević stated that Montenegro’s European path is clear and irreversible, with full commitment to meeting all criteria.
“We have no backup plan, our path is European. We are confident in our capacities and determined to meet all criteria, in order to enter the European Union prepared, stable, and as an equal partner,” she concluded.
The interlocutors agreed that Montenegro’s progress represents an important signal for the Western Balkans region and further strengthens the credibility of the European Union’s enlargement policy.
MINISTRY OF EUROPEAN AFFAIRS