Podgorica, (MINA) – The closure of the negotiating Chapters 8 – Competition and 29 - Customs Union represents a great success and confirmation that Montenegro has entered the final and decisive phase of its accession to the European Union (EU), said adviser to the President for European affairs, Milos Radonjic.

He noted that Montenegro, with 18 out of a total of 33 negotiating chapters closed, for the first time has more completed work than obligations that lie ahead of it.

“Chapters are not closed for Brussels, but for Montenegro. Every closed chapter must leave behind efficient institutions, rules that apply equally to everyone and a state that citizens trust. That is why this is the success for everyone who has worked for years on the European transformation of the country, but also an obligation to be even more serious, faster and more responsible in the end”, said Radonjic.

According to him, the final stage of the European path does not leave room for institutional slowness, political calculations, blockages or delays in reforms.

Radonjic said that the goal must remain unequivocal: the completion of the accession process by the end of this year, so that Montenegro would be ready to become the 28th EU member by 2028.

“Constitutional amendments, the completion of the Constitutional Court and electoral reforms are processes that should be finalized as soon as possible. Improved track record of final court judgments and fight against corruption and organized crime will receive the full meaning”, said Radonjic.

According to him, the European doors are open, Montenegro enjoys the support of its partners, and a historic opportunity is in front of Montenegro.

“There are no more excuses. Institutions must accelerate reforms, political actors must put the state’s interest ahead of the party’s, and Montenegro must finish the job. No one decides for us anymore. It is up to us to decide whether we will turn this opportunity into EU membership”, said Radonjic.