“European future is the choice of our citizens, the orientation of our society, and the guiding principle of our Government. With dedication, reforms, and responsibility, we will meet the requirements and take the final steps toward membership,” stated the Minister of European Affairs, Maida Gorčević, at the kick-off meeting of the EU Empower ME project.
At the meeting, besides Minister Gorčević, spoke the Head of the EU Delegation to Montenegro, Johan Satler, and the German Ambassador, Peter Felten, who highlighted the significance of the project for strengthening Montenegro’s institutional capacities and accelerating the European integration process.
Minister Gorčević emphasized that we must not forget the key essence of European integration – the importance of ongoing social and political transformation, while also noting that public administration reforms are being implemented to improve transparency and the quality of services for citizens. In economic terms, the Minister emphasized investment in competitiveness, digitalization, and energy transition, in line with the EU Growth Plan, as well as progress in sectors of particular importance, including environmental protection, energy, and human capital development.
The Minister highlighted the importance of skilled and motivated personnel in implementing reforms and the role of the EU Empower ME project in strengthening the capacities of institutions and the negotiating structure. She stated that this project contributes to Montenegro’s long-term preparedness for EU membership, while providing targeted expertise to sectoral ministries.
“Continuous engagement by Germany, together with the EU, is a clear sign of confidence in Montenegro’s ability to move forward,” said the Minister, emphasizing the importance of partnership.
The Head of the EU Delegation to Montenegro, Johan Satler, in his address, emphasized how important such projects are for strengthening institutional capacities and improving Montenegro’s European integration. “EU Empower ME is more than a project. It is a statement of intent: to empower Montenegro, to empower its institutions, and to empower its citizens on their European path. We provide assistance where it is most needed – experts from EU member states who will support Montenegrin institutions in closing negotiating chapters,” he said.
“The German contribution to the EU Empower ME project has a political dimension – it is a signal that we fully support Montenegro in its impressive effort to meet the high ambitions it has set. We are confident that this project will provide Montenegro with key support to achieve these ambitions. Because, in the end, it is not external advisors and experts, but Montenegro itself that must, and will, achieve results,” said the German Ambassador, Peter Felten, expressing full support and confidence in Montenegro’s capacities.
The meeting was attended by representatives of all relevant Montenegrin institutions, embassies of EU member states, the EU Delegation in Montenegro, as well as partner organizations, confirming the joint commitment to continuing Montenegro’s European path.
The EU Empower ME project, jointly financed by the European Union and the Government of Germany and implemented by GIZ, aims to strengthen the capacities of state institutions, particularly the negotiating structure, in order to effectively respond to final reforms and prepare Montenegro for EU membership.