Podgorica, (MINA) - Montenegro is ready to take over the presidency of the Berlin Process, Prime Minister Milojko Spajic said, adding that it will help accelerate the European integration of the Western Balkans.

According to the Government’s press release, Spajic said this on Wednesday at the Berlin Process Summit in London, where regional stability, security and economic cooperation are discussed.

“Montenegro is ready to take over the presidency of the Berlin process, and its leadership within this diplomatic initiative next year will accelerate the integration of the Western Balkans”, Spajic said.

He underscored that the next year will be particularly significant for Montenegro as the country plans to close all negotiation chapters and formally complete the accession negotiations.

“Next year, we will not only mark the 20th anniversary of the restoration of national independence, but we will host the EU-Western Balkans Summit and take over the presidency of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe”, said Spajic.

According to Spajic, Montenegro accepts this responsibility with strong commitment to build on this year’s successes.

“With our leadership, we will advocate for the accelerated implementation of the Common Regional Market and the Green Agenda, improved transparency and deepened cooperation in digital, green and security initiatives, as well as in mobility, education, science and innovation”, Spajic said.

He underlined that it is time for the Western Balkans to be recognized as the next European development zone.

Spajic thanked the United Kingdom for its exceptional organization and leadership of this years’ Summit, noting that it reaffirmed the lasting importance of that platform for regional cooperation, economic integration and shared European future.

Spajic recalled that Montenegro took a significant step forward by joining SEPA, stating that it brings Montenegrin companies and citizens closer to full participation in the European financial system.

Spajic stressed that the abolition of roaming fees between the EU and the Western Balkans would be another strong symbolic and practical step forward.

Speaking about security, he emphasized the importance of the Western Balkans Cyber ​​Capacity Center- WB3C, based in Montenegro.

According to Spajic, the fight against organized crime and corruption, as well as ensuring energy and food security and resistance to climate change, are also part of Montenegro’s strategic agenda.

“The Western Balkans cannot afford to be vulnerable – neither due to external shocks nor due to internal divisions. That’s why we support initiatives such as the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans and cooperation within the Common Regional Market, which strengthen both economic and strategic resilience”, Spajic stressed.