To mark 9 May, Europe Day, members of the European Integration Committee held a meeting with Ambassadors of the EU Member States in Montenegro on the current state of Montenegro's negotiations with the EU, focusing on meeting the interim criteria in key negotiation Chapters.

The President of the European Integration Committee Dr Ivan Vuković and the Ambassador of the European Union to Montenegro Oana Cristina Popa opened the meeting, reminding of the importance of 9 May and the values this day symbolises.

Vuković stated that the aim of the meeting is to exchange views with respected representatives of the diplomatic corps regarding the current phase of Montenegro's EU accession process in order to jointly send a message about the importance of Montenegro's membership in the European Union, with special emphasis on the favourable moment for the enlargement and admission of new members. It seems that the EU is ready to open its doors to new members, and it is expected that Montenegro will fulfil its obligations and soon take the 28^th seat in the EU, said Vuković. In this regard, he expressed gratitude for the messages of encouragement from the diplomatic representatives, hoping that Montenegro will maintain a high level of consensus regarding the EU membership, addressing the substance of the negotiation process, and that the EU will carefully monitor reform processes and preserve the Union's unity.

During his address, he reflected on the most important activities of the Committee, highlighting them as a contribution to the negotiation process. Ambassador Popa said that, for the first time in the integration history, the EU is adopting the Interim Benchmark Assessment Report (IBAR), and expects a positive outcome for Montenegro during the intergovernmental conference in June. She emphasised the importance of the current moment and the EU's willingness to revive the integration process and encourage aspirant countries to a stronger dynamic of fulfilling obligations and achieving visible results. Popa expressed expectation that both the Parliament and the Government of Montenegro will seize this favourable moment and meet expectations, so that Montenegro can enter the final phase of negotiations.