Podgorica, (MINA) - Montenegro can become a EU member by 2028 and no one has the right to waste this historic opportunity on divisions, excuses or narrow political interests, Montenegrin President Jakov Milatovic said.

 

He said that in recent weeks, Europe has sent a clear message of trust to Montenegro.

 

Milatovic stated that the EU- Western Balkans Summit in Tivat, his address before the European Parliament in Strasbourg, as well as the strong message from Berlin that Montenegro is practically ready for membership, all indicate that Montenegro has entered the final and decisive stage of its European journey.

 

“This did not happen by accident. It is the result of a clear diplomatic effort, responsible state policy and the belief that Montenegro must not wait for history to happen. Montenegro must shape its own future”, said Milatovic in his opinion piece published on the European Western Balkans portal.

 

Speaking about the summit in Tivat, he said that the leaders of the EU member states, heads of the European institutions and the leaders of the Western Balkans gathered in Montenegro, for which, it was more than a successful international event.

 

“It was a political message that our country is no longer on the margins of the European process. Montenegro is at the table. Montenegro is trusted. Montenegro delivering”, said Milatovic.

 

According to him, the same message was confirmed in Strasbourg.

 

Milatovic emphasized that Montenegro is not asking for shortcuts, but for results to be recognized.

 

He pointed out that the messages from Paris and Berlin are particularly important.

 

“When the French President from his bilateral visit to Montenegro says that our country can count on French support, or when the German Chancellor says that Montenegro is practically ready to join the EU, that is a serious political signal”, said Milatovic, adding that this confirms that Montenegro is now spoken of in the language of trust, respect and expectations.

 

“But support is not enough. Trust must be justified. A historic opportunity must be turned into a historic achievement”, Milatovic stressed.

 

He emphasized that the goal must be reached with work, discipline and results.

 

“Our task is clear. We must strengthen institutions, make the judiciary more independent and efficient, professionalize public administration and make the fight against corruption and organized crime even more decisive”, Milatovic noted.

 

He assessed that Montenegro can become the 28th EU member by 2028.

 

“That will not be a victory of one institution, one party or one generation of politicians. It will be a victory of the state, its citizens and the European idea that has guided Montenegro from the restoration of independence to today’s final stage”, Milatovic concluded.