Statement by the Ambassador of the EU to Montenegro Johann Sattler on the Upcoming Decisions on the European Agenda in the Parliament of Montenegro
Last night we received excellent news from the European Union. Member States once again stood united behind Montenegro and approved the closing of three more negotiation chapters, and the goal is finally within reach now.
But the next steps are essential to make it across the finishing line. They require determination, responsibility and the shared commitment from all pro-European political actors in the country. Now is the time to come together and deliver. Montenegro must not risk jeopardising what it has worked so hard to achieve at this crucial stage.
The remaining tasks are clear: adopting the pending constitutional amendments, appointing the missing members of the Judicial Council and establishing the Central Election Commission. And this is not about making Brussels or anybody outside of Montenegro happy, but about making sure that Montenegro complies with Europe's highest rule of law standards.
And when it comes to the proposed solution on the integrity checks, rest assured of one thing: they are of very high quality and present a well-established European standard. This is why I encourage all political actors, government and opposition alike, to seize the opportunity for constructive dialogue and compromise in the interests of the country and its citizens.
To the opposition, I say: keep the bigger picture in mind. Many of you have been pioneers of Montenegro's European integration and have worked towards this goal for many, many years. Your contribution remains essential as the country approaches the final stages of the accession process.
To the parliamentary majority, I say: go the extra mile and reach out to the opposition. An inclusive approach, respect for democratic debate and a willingness to find common ground will turn shared European aspirations into concrete progress.
And to both sides, my message is simple: keep working together. Let us build on the progress already achieved and seize this historic opportunity.
I trust that Montenegro's political leaders will find the solutions needed to move forward, in the interests of the citizens of this country and its European future.
And finally, to borrow the words of Montenegro's football fans, and I'm myself a big football fan: Naprijed Crna Gora! Vakat je! It's time to move.
Last night we received excellent news from the European Union. Member States once again stood united behind Montenegro and approved the closing of three more negotiation chapters, and the goal is finally within reach now.
But the next steps are essential to make it across the finishing line. They require determination, responsibility and the shared commitment from all pro-European political actors in the country. Now is the time to come together and deliver. Montenegro must not risk jeopardising what it has worked so hard to achieve at this crucial stage.
The remaining tasks are clear: adopting the pending constitutional amendments, appointing the missing members of the Judicial Council and establishing the Central Election Commission. And this is not about making Brussels or anybody outside of Montenegro happy, but about making sure that Montenegro complies with Europe's highest rule of law standards.
And when it comes to the proposed solution on the integrity checks, rest assured of one thing: they are of very high quality and present a well-established European standard. This is why I encourage all political actors, government and opposition alike, to seize the opportunity for constructive dialogue and compromise in the interests of the country and its citizens.
To the opposition, I say: keep the bigger picture in mind. Many of you have been pioneers of Montenegro's European integration and have worked towards this goal for many, many years. Your contribution remains essential as the country approaches the final stages of the accession process.
To the parliamentary majority, I say: go the extra mile and reach out to the opposition. An inclusive approach, respect for democratic debate and a willingness to find common ground will turn shared European aspirations into concrete progress.
And to both sides, my message is simple: keep working together. Let us build on the progress already achieved and seize this historic opportunity.
I trust that Montenegro's political leaders will find the solutions needed to move forward, in the interests of the citizens of this country and its European future.
And finally, to borrow the words of Montenegro's football fans, and I'm myself a big football fan: Naprijed Crna Gora! Vakat je! It's time to move.