Strasbourg, (MINA) – The completion of accession negotiations with Montenegro will be one of the priorities of the Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union (EU), said the Prime Minister of Ireland, Michel Martin.

 

Speaking at the plenary session of the European Parliament, presenting the priorities of the Irish presidency, he said that they would work to bring all countries that want to join the Union closer to that goal.

 

“We will aim to complete the accession negotiations with Montenegro, to make substantial historic progress with Moldova and Ukraine, we will advance the countries of the Western Balkans as far as they are ready to go, consistent with our balanced merit-based approach”, said Martin, reports Radio Free Europe.

 

On July 1, Ireland took over the six-month presidency of the Council of the EU.

 

The Irish Prime Minister confirmed their support for further EU enlargement.

 

“As long as there are Europeans who seek to secure democratic and prosperous future, as long as there are millions who see our flag of blue and gold as a hope for freedom, we must continue to welcome new members”, said Martin.

 

As he said, the enlargement is a win for everyone.

 

During the Irish presidency which lasts until December 31, further progress in the enlargement process is expected, including the opening of new negotiation clusters with Moldova and Ukraine, the continuation of closing negotiation chapters with Albania, as well as the completion of accession negotiations with Montenegro.