Chief Negotiator Predrag Zenović spoke with students of the Faculty of Political Sciences about key aspects of the European Union accession process.
The lecture was organized by the Ministry of European Affairs within the EU4ME project, funded by the European Union, as part of the “Openly About the EU!” campaign.
During the meeting, Zenović exchanged views with students on topics that often raise doubts and different interpretations, especially regarding the rights and obligations arising from future membership. Discussions covered the impact of membership on the position of small states, issues of sovereignty and identity, as well as the decision-making process within the European Union. The effects of membership on living standards, prices, the position of small producers, migration issues, and other matters important to citizens’ everyday lives were also clarified.
Zenović emphasized that membership in the European Union does not mean a loss of sovereignty, but rather sharing sovereignty with other states in areas of common interest, such as trade, energy, agriculture, fisheries, and environmental protection. He pointed out that Montenegro will retain full authority in key sectors such as education, culture, social policy, healthcare, and a significant part of tax policy.
Speaking about the perception that the European Union imposes decisions on member states, Zenović explained that decisions are made jointly through institutions such as the European Commission, the Council, and the European Parliament, in which Montenegro will also have its own representatives.
“Our ministers, members of parliament, and experts will participate in decision-making, rule-making, negotiations, and voting,” said Zenović.
Referring to claims that prices will rise sharply after accession to the European Union, he explained that price adjustments may occur in certain sectors, but that the experiences of other countries show this is accompanied by growth in salaries, investments, and overall living standards.
“In the long term, citizens gain greater purchasing power, a more stable market, and a wider choice of products and services,” he emphasized.
Zenović also stressed that small states achieve significant benefits from European Union membership, including faster economic development, access to funds, and greater influence in international decision-making processes. He reminded students that all member states are equal and that the principle of equality is the foundation of the Union’s functioning.
Special attention was devoted to the issue of young people leaving the country. Zenović pointed out that young people already have opportunities to study abroad, but that European Union membership brings additional opportunities to bring knowledge and experience back to the country.
“European funds and investments create more opportunities at home, better-quality jobs, support for start-up businesses, and better education. With the growth of living standards, more and more people will have reasons to stay in Montenegro,” concluded Zenović.
During the discussion, students showed particular interest in issues such as “brain drain”, migration, and the position of small states within the European Union, as well as the way membership could affect the preservation of sovereignty and identity. The discussion also covered opportunities that European integration brings to young people through education, professional development, and the opening of new opportunities for career development in Montenegro.