Podgorica, (MINA) – Montenegro is ready to complete its EU accession negotiations by the end of the year and become an EU member in 2028, said Foreign Minister Ervin Ibrahimovic, expressing confidence that the country will close two or three more negotiation chapters on July 14.

 

Ibrahimovic made this remark at a press conference with his Danish counterpart Lars Lokke Rasmussen, who is on an official visit to Montenegro.

 

Ibrahimovic pointed out that Montenegro and Denmark have friendly relations, based on alliance, trust and a common vision of European and Euro-Atlantic values.

 

 

Ibrahimovic spoke about Montenegro’s commitment to EU integration, as well as the EU’s strategic commitment to enlargement.

 

“We need to seize this momentum”, said Ibrahimovic, adding that he was pleased that Montenegro had received another confirmation from the EU-Western Summit Balkans in Tivat that it remains the most advanced candidate.

 

He also thanked Rasmussen, saying that during Denmark’s presidency of the Council of the EU, significant impetus to the acceleration of European integration was given.

 

“In June, we closed two chapters. On July 14, I believe we will close two or three more chapters, and I think that Montenegro is finally making the final push to complete the negotiation process by the end of the year”, Ibrahimovic said.

 

Rasmussen said he was pleased to be in Montenegro and to witness the country’s progress.

 

 

“I am impressed by the progress you have achieved. You have truly seized the renewed momentum in European integration and are close to your goal”, said Rasmussen.

 

According to him, Montenegro has a strong friend and supporter in Copenhagen and Denmark.

 

Rasmussen noted that Europe needs to be stronger and more united, expressing belief that Montenegro can become the 28th member and thus pave the way for other candidate states.

 

When asked by journalists about external threats as Montenegro approaches the EU membership, Ibrahimovic pointed out that Montenegro has been praised from all sides and is recognized as the best candidate.

 

 

“We are aware that the closer we get to the EU, the stronger the influence of third countries that do not want development, not only of Montenegro, but across the entire region”, Ibrahimovic said.

 

Rasmussen, answering the question about the interest of Denmark and Europe for the second round of enlargement, said that Europe is under pressure from Russia and from China.

 

“We shouldn’t leave anyone in an empty space. If we don’t invite countries, and integrate them, we leave them with alternatives that are not good. Therefore, enlargement is in Europe’s best interest”, said Rasmussen.

 

He stressed that enlargement is a merit-based process, adding that Montenegro has done an important part of its task and achieved progress that deserves to be rewarded.