This is a historic day for Montenegro, but also for the European Union – a message conveyed during the Intergovernmental Conference in Brussels where our country received a positive report on the fulfilment of the interim benchmarks in Chapters 23 and 24. As stated during the conference, Montenegro's success over the past six months confirms that reforms do pay off, but also that the enlargement process is alive and that progress can be made based on merit.

Prime Minister Milojko Spajić conveyed that Montenegro cannot afford to go through additional years of stagnation and waiting to implement reforms, which are essential for improving the standard and quality of life for Montenegrin citizens.

"This is the day when we will finally—alongside the positive IBAR in the area of the rule of law—fully unlock the opportunity to close other chapters for the first time in the last seven years. This is a reason for celebration, but also a source of new hope for our EU path," said Prime Minister Spajić during the Intergovernmental Conference presided over by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Belgium, Hadja Lahbib.

"We started the Belgian EU presidency with a meeting with Montenegro and we are concluding it in the same manner. You promised results and delivered them. Chapters 23 and 24 are the heart of the negotiation process, and further progress will depend on you since you are holding the keys," Lahbib emphasised.

European Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement, Olivér Várhelyi, congratulated Montenegro on the exceptional work done to obtain the IBAR, as well as the efforts in meeting strict EU standards.

Copyright: Saša Matić, Vlada Crne Gore

"The IBAR is an achievement that announces that you are entering the final phase of the negotiation process. This is a strong political signal for the people in Montenegro that the enlargement process is alive. This is a historic moment for all candidate countries since, for the first time since Croatia, one more country has obtained the IBAR, which is a great message," Várhelyi stated.

Representatives from all member states commended the government and parliament for their performance in the recent period.

"Montenegro has once again demonstrated its commitment to the European Union and positioned itself as a leader in the accession process. We applaud your efforts and determination to reach the values cherished by the large European family. Montenegro has done everything to get back on the right European path, and politically, I hope you will stay on that path. Other candidate countries will look up to you, and that is why your success is important. Now, we, as the European Union, must show our commitment to support you in your efforts," emphasised Marko Štucin, Minister of European Affairs of Slovenia.

During the meeting, it was highlighted that Montenegro is an important partner of the European Union in the Western Balkans, and that the enlargement is an important geopolitical and strategic goal that is crucial for Europe’s stability.

With the final benchmarks for Chapters 23 and 24, Montenegro received support from all EU countries, but also a message that the final stage of negotiations requires a steady focus and the same amount of commitment to reforms as in the period that is now behind us.

Prime Minister Milojko Spajić led the delegation at the Intergovernmental Conference. The meeting was also attended by the Minister of European Affairs Maida Gorčević, Minister of Foreign Affairs Filip Ivanović, Chief Negotiator with the EU Predrag Zenović, and others.

Article source: EU4ME