Luxembourg/Podgorica, (MINA) – Montenegro provisionally closed Chapter 2 – Freedom of Movement for Workers and Chapter 28 – Consumer and Health Protection at the EU-Montenegro Intergovernmental Conference with the in Luxembourg.

 

Deputy Minister for European Affairs of Cyprus, Marilena Raouna, assessed that this provisional closure of Chapters 2 and 28 in Montenegro’s EU negotiations is proof of the country’s continued progress and commitment to reforms on the European path.

 

“This is particularly significant as it is the third intergovernmental conference with Montenegro held during the Cyprus presidency. Today we demonstrated the steady pace of Montenegro’s accession negotiations and the continued commitment that is demonstrated by Montenegro in advancing the reforms necessary for EU membership”, said Raouna.

 

She emphasized that the provisional closure of the chapter is not only a technical achievement, but a reflection of reform process.

 

According to her, these are the reforms that bring Montenegro closer to European standards, values and opportunities.

 

European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos assessed that Montenegro has made significant progress in the negotiations with the EU lately, adding that the closing of the negotiation chapters represents an important turning point in the accession process.

 

“These last few weeks have truly been a recognition of Montenegro’s achievements. […] Today we mark yet another milestone. We have now closed about half of all chapters, 16 out of 33. Congratulations!”, said Kos.

 

She added that the EU is already working on the next steps in the accession process of Montenegro.

 

“We are already preparing Montenegro’s place inside our Union. The Council has started work on Montenegro’s accession treaty, for the first time after 17 years. […] At the same time in the Commission we intent to adopt a financial support package for Montenegro next week, which will propose how to adjust our budget to the Union of 28”, she stressed.

 

Kos pointed out that it is now crucial that the reforms continue and be further deepened.

 

She emphasized that it is very important that the negotiation process transcends party lines and that it is treated as a national priority that creates stability and unity for all in Montenegro.

 

Montenegrin Prime Minister Milojko Spajic pointed out that the closing of 16 negotiation chapters is a confirmation that Montenegro is achieving concrete and measurable results in the European integration process.

 

“The outcome is not a matter of statistics, but proof that the negotiating process is being translated into concrete work”, ​​said the Prime Minister.

 

He thanked the EU member states for their support, as well as the relevant ministries and administration for their contribution to closing chapters 2 and 28.

 

Spajic added that Montenegro has an ambitious but realistic plan for the European road.

 

“Our plan is realistic and ambitious. By the end of the year, we will close all negotiating chapters and make Montenegro the 28th member state of the EU in 2028”, Spajic said.