Podgorica, (MINA) – Montenegro is almost ready for EU membership and is exempted from German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s plan to grant observer status to candidate countries, said Minister of State for Europe at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Germany Gunther Krichbaum.

 

Speaking at a joint media conference with the Ministers of European Affairs of Montenegro and France, Maida Gorcevic and Benjamin Haddad in Podgorica, he said that Montenegro is a frontrunner of the European integration process, ahead of all other Western Balkans countries, and that, with certain willingness, the final membership conditions could be fulfilled by the end of this year.

 

“It depends on the country, it depends on all who are engaged in politics here, because this is not only a governmental affair, but the opposition also has responsibility”, said Krichbaum.

 

He emphasized that the European integration process is an investment in future generations.

 

According to him, the joint visit of the French and German ministers to Montenegro represents a clear political signal of support for the country’s European path.

 

“We want to invite your country, Montenegro, to join the European club as soon as possible”, Krichbaum said.

 

Asked by the press whether Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s initiative means that Montenegro is seen as the next EU member or that observer status would apply to it also, Krichbaum emphasized that Montenegro’s “final destination is full membership in the EU”.

 

According to him, the proposal refers to the enlargement methodology and the way in which the EU conducts accession negotiations with candidate countries.

 

Krichbaum explained that this possibility is being considered for countries that meet certain criteria to receive observer status in certain European institutions before formal membership.

 

“Montenegro is exempted from the content of this letter because Montenegro is almost ready (for membership). I think it can be done by the end of the year”, Krichbaum said, adding that it would be followed by the closing all negotiation chapters and the ratification of the Accession Treaty.

 

Haddad said that his visit to Podgorica, together with his German colleague, confirms strong Franco-German unity and European support for Montenegro’s EU accession.

 

He congratulated Montenegro on, as he stated, “rapid and deep reforms”, recalling that the country has already closed 14 negotiation chapters and that forming of a working party tasked with drafting Montenegro’s Accession Treaty is underway.

 

Haddad assessed that the enlargement of the EU represents the “reunification of the European family”, which is critical for stability and peace on the European continent.

 

He pointed out that the accession process will continue to be based on merits, on the adoption of the European acquis, the rule of law, protection of minorities and institutional balance.

 

Speaking about the broader geopolitical context, Haddad assessed that the European project remains attractive despite global crises and rivalries, but that there is a lot to reform, make the EU more competitive, independent and powerful.

 

Gorcevic pointed out that the visit comes in the week when Montenegro hosts the EU-Western Balkans Summit in Tivat, which represents another opportunity to discuss the enlargement policy and the country’s European perspective.

 

“France and Germany are two key countries when it comes to the enlargement policy and when we are talking about Montenegro’s future in the EU”, Gorcevic said.

 

She thanked France for its support during a recent visit to Paris, where Montenegrin officials spoke with President Emmanuel Macron, Haddad, as well as representatives of the French Parliament and Senate.

 

Gorcevic also thanked Germany for its continuous support, especially in the year when Montenegro presides over the Berlin Process.

 

“I think it is very important for Montenegro to be recognized as a serious and reliable partner, but also as a country that can help the region progress on many fields”, the Minister stated.

 

Gorcevic emphasized the importance of the expert assistance that Montenegro receives from the German development agency GIZ, the German government and the European Commission.

 

“Montenegro’s focus remains on reforms, on the rule of law, on closing the negotiation chapters by the end of this year in order to meet our goal, our main geostrategic goal, which is full EU membership in 2028”, she said.