Podgorica, (MINA) – Each of the upcoming parliamentary votes on key EU-related rule of law reforms and appointments important for Montenegro’s European path, represent a mini-referendum Montenegro’s EU accession, said EU Ambassador to Montenegro Johann Sattler.

 

In an interview with Vijesti, speaking about the constitutional amendments, the first vote on which should be held on Monday, he expressed confidence that the national interest and the shared ambition to provide the citizens of Montenegro with a European quality of life will prevail.

 

“That is why responsibility for those decisions is shared among all political stakeholders, and Montenegro’s seizing the historic opportunity to join the EU will either be a shared success, or there will be no success to claim”, Satler stressed.

 

He welcomed the ongoing dialogue on this issue between the government and the opposition.

 

Sattler recalled that he urged all political actors to keep in mind the bigger picture and recognize the importance of this moment and the opportunity before Montenegro.

 

Asked about the possible consequences if the constitutional amendments are not adopted before the summer recess, Sattler said that every upcoming vote on reforms should be viewed as a mini-referendum on EU accession.

 

“Each of the upcoming parliamentary votes on key EU-related rule of law reforms and appointments requiring a qualified majority is in effect a mini-referendum on Montenegro’s EU accession”, Sattler said.

 

He said that there is no good will, nor the support from the EU and its member states, which will substitute for those political decisions that can only be made by Montenegro itself.

 

Sattler stated that, through the intensive contacts he had with all relevant political stakeholders, he knows that both the government and the opposition fully understand the importance of the moment and the responsibility they carry.