In an interview for CdM, the Minister for European Affairs Maida Gorcevic, notes that constructive dialogue and cooperation she noticed during the first two months of her term, both within the government and with representatives of the legislative power, assured her that the foreign policy priorities of this government wouldn’t be questioned. She adds that she noticed a new energy and a desire to jointly contribute to the EU integration and be a group of politicians who would lead Montenegro to the EU.
Minister Gorcevic underlines that flawed institutions over the past period impacted the implementation of requirements and slowing down Montenegro’s European path.
“We mustn’t and won’t allow it anymore,” she said, among other things.
Asked about the opinion of European partners of Montenegro and their estimations over the requirements and the date of Montenegro’s accession to the EU, the Minister said: “Over the past two months, I held many fruitful meetings with representatives of the most important EU institutions, as well as the ambassadors of the EU member states. At all those meetings, it was noted that Montenegro had their strong support for becoming the first next EU member state, but first must provide the required results.”
She continued: “There are many requirements, reforms that lie ahead are demanding, but the entire process should be perceived as a unique opportunity to improve the situation in all areas, as well as standards and the quality of life of our citizens, so that we may finally become the EU member state.”
On the immediate steps Montenegro needs to take concerning her diplomatic network, Minister Gorcevic says that the situation we’re facing now is a consequence of the actions of the former president of the state who refused to cooperate with the government and give his consent for candidates proposed by the government. She’s also sure that no future president of Montenegro would act like that, having in mind that the government is responsible for proposing candidates for ambassadors.
On the other hand, as she adds, the EU accession criteria are clear, the support of our international allies obvious. “I think that we’ve created conditions on the internal plan as well, that the government, in collaboration with another two branches of power and the civil society, does everything in order to accelerate reforms and achieve the expected results.”
Commenting on the communication with Montenegro’s international allies, she says: “Apart from their strong support, our European and international allies point out to challenges and continuously provide their expert and financial support so that we may overcome them. All the assessments and recommendations are somewhat showed in the EC Report.”
