Minister of European Affairs Maida Gorčević paid a working visit to Finland, during which she held several meetings with representatives of the Government and Parliament of that country.
In Helsinki, Gorčević met with the Minister for European Affairs and Ownership Steering, Joakim Strand, State Secretary for EU Affairs in the Prime Minister’s Office Mina Kivimäki, State Secretary at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Defence Pasi Rajala, as well as members of the Grand Committee of the Parliament of Finland.
“Montenegro is determined to fulfill all obligations from the European agenda by the end of the year and demonstrate that it is ready for full EU membership. Our commitment to reforms reflects the Government’s aspiration to provide citizens with a European future accompanied by a better quality of life,” Minister Gorčević said during the meeting with Minister Strand.
She thanked Strand for Finland’s political, technical, and expert support to Montenegro’s negotiation process, emphasizing that the Government has intensified efforts to close all chapters by the end of the year and ensure internal readiness for membership in 2028.
Gorčević pointed to the importance of both the political support of member states and the continuous financial support from EU funds and programs, emphasizing that Montenegro has made the best possible use of significant resources to improve conditions in various areas, from the rule of law to energy, infrastructure, the environment, and digitalization, which has enabled the achievement and implementation of European standards in these fields.
“We are pleased with your good results and the progress you are achieving in all areas on the path toward full EU membership. Finland will continue to support your efforts to soon join us in the European family as its equal member,” said Minister Strand.
He particularly highlighted the importance of the results Montenegro is achieving in the field of the rule of law and conveyed Finland’s readiness to intensify bilateral cooperation in that and other areas of common interest, including the environment, where Finland possesses significant expertise.
At the meeting with members of the Grand Committee of the Parliament of Finland, Gorčević informed her interlocutors about plans for closing negotiation chapters and particularly about the obligations in the areas of the rule of law and the environment that the Government is undertaking with the aim of closing those chapters.
“Today, we established a parliamentary friendship group between Finland and Montenegro. European Union enlargement, as well as Montenegro as the most advanced candidate, enjoys the support of both ruling and opposition parties in the Parliament of Finland,” said Sinuhe Wallinheimo, Chair of the Grand Committee of Parliament.
Members of the Grand Committee welcomed the reform results achieved by Montenegro, expressing confidence that Montenegro’s membership will pave the European path for other countries in the region and positively influence the stability and progress of the Western Balkans.
During meetings with State Secretary for EU Affairs Mina Kivimäki and State Secretary Pasi Rajala, Gorčević discussed further strengthening bilateral cooperation and exchanging experiences in areas of common interest, especially in the fields of European integration, digital transformation, green transition, and strengthening institutional capacities. The interlocutors expressed readiness to enhance expert cooperation and intensify communication between the competent institutions of the two countries, with the aim of more efficient implementation of reforms and the continuation of Montenegro’s successful European path.