Podgorica, (MINA) - In the EU accession process Montenegro should not focus on numbers and dates, but rather on implementing reforms and resolving bilateral issues before joining the Union, Croatian Foreign Minister Gordan Grlic Radman said.

He said this at the To Be Secure Forum in Budva, during the panel discussion “EU Membership: Breaking Barriers, Building Bridges to the Union”, alongside with Montenegrin Foreign Minister Ervin Ibrahimovic and former Slovenian President Borut Pahor.

The Atlantic Alliance announced that Ibrahimovic said that Montenegro can complete EU accession negotiations as early as next year, stressing that everything depends on national efforts and political consensus.

Speaking about challenges on the European path, Ibrahimovic emphasized that he sees the biggest obstacles in internal factors.

“I think that the only barrier lies with us and for now I do not recognize any major external barrier. Those who want to see Montenegro in the EU should be with us, on the path towards the EU. While those who do not want European values ​​will disqualify themselves”, said Ibrahimovic.

Grlic Radman said that Croatia is an ally of Montenegro.

“We are neighbors and everything related to good neighborly relations are friendly values. You have to invest as much as possible to make those relations as good as possible, but it is not a one-way street, both sides must be engaged”, said Grlic Radman.

According to him, when it comes to membership, it depends on the political elite of Montenegro.

Grlic Radman added that the Balkans is still burdened by unresolved bilateral issues, which affect regional stability.

According to Grlic Radman, every country that enters the EU should join after resolving bilateral issues, rather than bring them into the EU. 

Grlic Radman also noted that he lit candles for the inmates of the Morinj POW camp, and

thanked Ibrahimovic for organizing the event.

When asked about bilateral disputes with Montenegro, Grlic Radman said that it is good to discuss them openly.

Commenting on Chapter 31, whose closure was previously blocked by Croatia, Grlic Radman said that it reflects regional stability and good neighborly relations.

He praised Ibrahimovic’s activities, but stressed that he must have the support of political leaders who should recognize that Montenegro belongs in the EU.

Borut Pahor, former president of Slovenia, said that he would be surprised if Montenegro did not join the EU in 2028.

“There has been a change in Brussels, not only because of Ukraine and the geopolitical situation in Europe, but because of the experience that it is necessary to prove to the Balkans and the EU that the process remains relevant”, said Pahor.

As he emphasized, Montenegro is the most prepared candidate for membership.

Speaking about the situation in the region, Pahor warned that the politics of the “Serbian World” could pose a danger to the region, with Russia spreading negative influence.