“Montenegro has already adopted key reforms from the Reform Agenda and remains committed to their consistent implementation. Our goal is to demonstrate through the implementation of reforms that we are ready to assume the obligations arising from EU membership, therefore expert support is invaluable for strengthening our institutions and accelerating reform processes,” stated the Minister of European Affairs of Montenegro, Maida Gorčević, at a meeting with the Minister for European Affairs and State Ownership Management of Finland, Joakim Strand.
The Minister said that the Government of Montenegro remains strongly committed to implementing the obligations from the negotiation process, as this is a key condition for providing citizens with a better standard of living and a stable European future. “The support of our European partners, among whom Finland holds a special place, is of exceptional importance for implementing reforms and progress toward full membership in the European Union,” said Gorčević.
Speaking about investments from European instruments, she emphasized that by using funds efficiently, we secure investments in sustainable transport, clean energy, digital transformation, and human capital development, and that this not only accelerates Montenegro’s European path but also directly improves the quality of life of our citizens.
Minister Strand emphasized that Finland will continue to provide strong political support for Montenegro’s EU membership. He stated that the country possesses significant knowledge and experience in the areas of renewable energy, waste management, and wastewater management, and that they are ready to provide Montenegro with expert and technical support in the areas covered by Chapter 27 – Environment, as well as in all other negotiation areas. In addition, the Minister specifically highlighted the importance of good regional cooperation for the stability and progress of the entire Western Balkans.
At the meeting, strong support from Finland for Montenegro’s European path was confirmed, along with a joint commitment to further strengthen cooperation within European instruments and programs. It was agreed that the two countries will continue to closely cooperate on implementing reforms and strengthening institutional capacities, with the conviction that such cooperation will contribute to a faster integration of Montenegro into the European Union, as well as the stability and prosperity of the entire region.