Podgorica, (MINA) – The agreement between the government and the opposition on the vote on constitutional amendments is a major democratic achievement and an indicator of political maturity, Prime Minister Milojko Spajic said, adding that it is the minimum that the European Union (EU) expects from Montenegro.

Spajic made this remark in the Parliament in response to a question of Vasilije Carapic, the Europe Now Movement MP, who asked what political message Brussels was sending to Montenegro by already including the country in its budget projections and earmarking EUR 3.2 billion for the country through its financial framework.

According to Spajic, this is the strongest message that, after the formation of the ad hoc group, Montenegro has received from the EU regarding Montenegro’s European path.

“Closing negotiation chapters is a very important thing, and we will continue in that direction. We expect to complete the negotiation process by the end of the year. It has taken far too long, if we remember, negotiations have been ongoing since 2012 and, unfortunately, were quite slow until 2023, when the major acceleration began”, said Spajic.

He welcomed “the great agreement that was reached yesterday between the opposition and the government”.

“I think it is a major democratic achievement and a sign of maturity that is always welcome in all democratic, European societies. No one in Brussels will applaud and say, “Well done, you have reached an agreed”. It is simply the minimum that is expected of us”, said Spajic.

He pointed out that Brussels is looking for results.

“Everyone must complete everything that is assigned to them, that is, the reforms that are good for society. We are implementing reforms that are good for Montenegro”, Spajic said.