Podgorica, (MINA) - The EU enlargement policy remains one of the most powerful instruments of longterm stabilization and political consolidation of Europe, said Deputy Prime Minister for Foreign Affairs and European Affairs Filip Ivanovic.

Ivanovic participated in the round table titled “Open Door or Open End: Delivering on EU Enlargement”, held as part of the main program of the Munich Security Conference, dedicated to the strategic future of EU enlargement policy and its role in shaping the European political landscape.

The Government stated in a press release that, speaking at the round table, Ivanovic stressed that the enlargement policy remains one of the most powerful instruments for ensuring longterm stabilization and political consolidation of the European continent.

“He emphasized that in order to preserve its credibility, it is crucial to provide a clear and merit-based accession framework, in which the reform progress of candidate countries will be adequately assessed, while the EU’s political commitment to enlargement will be confirmed through concrete steps”, the press release stated

It is added that high-ranking officials, decision-makers and experts from European institutions and member states and candidates participated in the round table, with the aim of reflecting on the credibility and sustainability of the enlargement process amid changing geopolitical circumstances.

“Special attention was given to maintaining a clear and predictable European perspective for the candidate countries, as well as balancing accelerated integration initiatives with the merit-based principle, as well as preserving the rule of law as a fundamental requirement of the accession process”, the press release said.