Podgorica, (MINA) - Montenegro remains firmly committed to implementing reforms and achieving full EU membership by 2028 in line with the merit-based principle, said Minister of European Affairs Maida Gorcevic, emphasizing that this year will be decisive for the integration process.

She participated in the informal meeting of European Affairs Ministers held in Cyprus, within the framework of that country’s presidency of the Council of the EU.

According to the press release from the Ministry of European Affairs, Gorcevic pointed out that 2026 will be a decisive year for Montenegro, as the country aims to complete the negotiation process by the end of the year.

According to her, Montenegro has come a long way, while this goal seemed unimaginable just a few years ago.

She emphasized that Montenegro remains firmly committed to implementing transformational reforms and achieving full EU membership by 2028 in accordance with merit-based principle.

Gorcevic also emphasized that in the current, complex geopolitical circumstances, the EU must demonstrate ability of act strategically, defend its values ​​and strengthen its position in the world.

The ministers of European affairs of the EU member states pointed out that the EU is in the most demanding security and geopolitical context in the last few decades and that in such circumstances, enlargement is no longer just a political choice but a strategic investment in the peace, stability and security of the entire European continent.