The process of European Union enlargement and the integration of the Western Balkans were the focus of the Budapest Balkans Forum, where the ministerial round table “Walking the Walk: Enlargement and the Western Balkans” was held.
The panel was attended by the Hungarian Minister for European Affairs János Bóka, the Serbian Minister for European Integration Nemanja Starović, the Deputy Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of Albania Megi Fino, as well as the Chief Negotiator of Montenegro Predrag Zenović.
Speaking about the European perspective of the region, Zenović emphasized the importance of the European Union enlargement process for the countries of the Western Balkans.
“The European Union is not only a political and economic project, but above all a community of values and rules. That is precisely why it has no alternative for the countries of the Western Balkans,” Zenović said.
He recalled that Montenegro is today the frontrunner of the European integration process in the region, with full alignment with the European Union’s common foreign and security policy, strong results in the field of the rule of law and a high level of harmonization of legislation with the EU acquis, such as is today held by member states.
Zenović stated that Montenegro has so far provisionally closed 13 negotiating chapters and that the closing of the fourteenth is expected soon.
“In less than seven days we expect the closing of the fourteenth chapter. After obtaining IBAR and the dynamics of closing chapters, the next key point will be the beginning of drafting the Accession Treaty, which represents an important step not only for the final phase of Montenegro’s negotiations, but also for the overall credibility of the enlargement policy,” Zenović said.
He emphasized that the accession process must remain based on clear rules, credible reforms and the principle of merit, with a predictable and reliable framework for candidate countries.
Zenović also stressed that enlargement has a strong geopolitical dimension and that the integration of the Western Balkans represents a strategic investment in the stability, security and long-term development of the European continent.
“The Western Balkans should not be viewed only as a political issue of enlargement, but as a new opportunity for economic growth and development of the European space. The integration of the region represents a new opportunity and a strong argument of the strength and vitality of the European Union,” Zenović concluded.