The Prime Minister of Montenegro requested that the idea of ​​European enlargement remain alive

“The European institutions must understand that the Western Balkans have two paths, either integrate into the EU, or remain a “black hole” with many problems,” underlined the Prime Minister of Montenegro, Dritan Abazović, at the Economist forum.

“If we look at what is happening in Ukraine today, let’s think about what was happening twenty, thirty years ago in the Western Balkans. And it is not unlikely that if we are not accepted into the EU, we will have similar problems in the future,” said the Prime Minister of Montenegro and continued:

“The idea of ​​European enlargement must remain alive. Montenegro is one of the first countries that wishes to join the EU. Together with the prime ministers of the other countries in the region, we supported Ukraine, we did not make any comparison with the Western Balkans, although that our countries at the last European summit did not get what they deserved. The only way against the influence of Russia, or any other superpower in our region is to increase the influence of Europe.”

“You know, we have historical ties with Russia, but we follow the EU’s foreign policy.” Mr. Abazović continued and added:

“Our country is very strict with the sanctions. For us there is no compromise on the level of principles. Because we must know what our goal is to become part of the West and have the status of a full member of the EU. We are doing everything we can to support Ukraine. As we are in favor of Ukraine and Moldova, EU states must also understand that the enlargement process must be revived. Otherwise, the idea of ​​a greater Europe and solidarity will be undermined.”

Mr. Abazović underlined that the integration of the region into the European reality will bring a win-win situation for both the Western Balkans and the EU.

“Open Balkans is an important initiative that we should focus on. From the past to the future, from nationalism to the economy and progress. We support the Berlin process and, no matter what it is called, through dialogue we can solve the problems us. If it is a mechanism that can make the integration faster, if it is in that direction, we will support it. We have an interest, as Montenegro, to be a full member of the EU and we want that for all neighbors as well us. We’re doing what we have to do and somebody has to recognize that. We have to start the negotiations.”

Mr. Abazović noted that it should be understood by all that “nationalisms in the Western Balkans are linked to corruption”, which benefits from the existing status quo and uses “weak state institutions” to reproduce and added:

“We are ready to face these problems. Montenegro wants to do its part and I believe that by the end of the year we will succeed. All we ask is to have a meritocratic approach and for someone to recognize what we are doing.”

SOURCE: AMPE

Source: Capital

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