Podgorica, (MINA) - Montenegro is entering the most intensive phase of negotiations and is fully committed to EU membership, said Minister of European Affairs Maida Gorcevic, adding that Montenegro wants to meet all criteria and join the EU prepared and with equal rights.

During a meeting with a group of journalists from seven EU member states, as part of their visit to Montenegro, Gorcevic said that in 2028, as the next EU member, Montenegro will bring added value to the EU.

According to the press release from the Ministry of European Affairs (MEA), key results of European integration, reform dynamics and priorities in the final phase of the accession process were presented at the meeting.

Gorcevic pointed out that Montenegro is entering the most intensive and demanding stage of negotiations, with a clear political commitment to full EU membership.

“Montenegro remains fully committed to its European path, with the ambition to become the next EU member. Our goal is not only membership, but to deliver concrete, measurable and long-term sustainable results through comprehensive reforms that confirm our readiness for full membership”, Gorcevic said.

Asked about the course and nature of the process, she clarified that European integration is based on three key pillars: alignment of legislation with the EU acquis, strengthening infrastructure and development of administrative capacities.

“We align all laws and strategies with European rules, with the continuous support from experts from member states. At the same time, we invest in infrastructure and institutions, as well as in people, because without a professional and skilled administration, there can be no successful integration”, said Gorcevic.

When asked by a journalist about the role of local governments in the reform implementation, given that most European policies are implemented at the municipal level, Gorcevic said that the readiness of local authorities is key to the credibility of the entire European integration process.