Podgorica, (MINA) - The Western Balkans must not remain a geopolitical void, as any standstill in the EU enlargement process creates space for destabilization and the influence of actors who do not share European values, said President of Montenegro Jakov Milatovic.

Milatovic, who is paying a visit to Berlin, said during a lecture at Humboldt University that Europe is at an important geopolitical moment in which the EU has room to further improve its capacity to act and strengthen its autonomy.

According to the press release from the President’s office, a special emphasis in the address was placed on enlargement policy, which Milatovic stressed is becoming increasingly important in the context of EU’s stability and long-term perspective.

Milatovic pointed out that a sustainable enlargement model is one in which candidate countries implement essential reforms, strengthen institutions and the rule of law, while the EU simultaneously provides a clear, merit-based and predictable membership perspective.

According to the press release, Milatovic presented Montenegro as the most advanced candidate country, which viewing the accession process as an important instrument of internal transformation, aimed at accelerating reforms, depoliticizing institutions and strengthening the democratic system.

Speaking about the future of the EU, Milatovic pointed out the importance of further deepening integration, by strengthening the single market, improving competitiveness and encouraging innovation.

“Europe must remove internal barriers and enable itself to function as a single economic space, capable of responding to global competition”, said Milatovic.

He concluded that the EU’s strength in the new era depends on its ability to continue the political integration, advance enlargement and further strengthen economic resilience.