“Estonia stood by Montenegro at the beginning of our European path. Today, as we take the final steps towards membership, it is important to us that Estonia stands with us at its end as well. Our goal is not only to become a member of the European Union, but a member that contributes, has its own voice and further strengthens the Union,” Minister of European Affairs Maida Gorčević said during her visit to Estonia.
Today in Tallinn, Gorčević met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Estonia, Margus Cahna, and the Chair of the Estonian Parliament’s European Union Affairs Committee, Peter Tali.
Particular emphasis in the talks was placed on the final stage of Montenegro’s European path, work on the Accession Treaty, as well as the process of its future ratification in the Member States. They agreed that work on the Accession Treaty represents an important political signal that Montenegro’s European path is becoming increasingly concrete and that the process is gradually moving from negotiations towards preparations for membership itself.
“Our goal is clear – to close the remaining chapters by the end of this year and for Montenegro to become the 28th member of the European Union in 2028. But the final stage of this process is not only a matter of what Montenegro needs to do. The trust and support of each Member State on the path to signing and ratifying the Accession Treaty are also important,” Gorčević said.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Magnus Cahna confirmed strong support for Montenegro’s membership in the European Union, stressing that it is now important to shift the focus towards how to help Montenegro successfully complete the process and become an EU Member State.
“Montenegro has shown that consistent reforms deliver results. Now we must quickly continue preparations for the Accession Treaty. Montenegro’s success sends a clear message to other candidate countries as well: the effort you invest leads to membership,” Cahna said.
The Minister stressed that Montenegro does not expect shortcuts or special treatment from the Member States, but rather that the results achieved should be followed by concrete progress towards membership.
The Chair of the European Union Affairs Committee, Peter Tali, expressed full support for Montenegro’s membership and particular interest in how Estonia and its parliament can provide concrete assistance in the steps ahead. He confirmed his readiness to further intensify parliamentary cooperation with Montenegro in the coming period.
The Estonian interlocutors expressed their readiness for political and parliamentary support to continue during the final stage of the path towards membership.