Podgorica, (MINA) – The EU is a geopolitical project with no alternative for Montenegro, said Chief EU Negotiator, Predrag Zenovic, adding that both the government and the opposition must demonstrate unity and determination on the EU accession path.

Speaking at the opening of the REACT Youth Forum in Zabljak, organized by the Alfa Center, he said that Montenegro needs the EU, but also that the EU needs Montenegro.

Zenovic assessed that Montenegro is prepared to meet all requirements and conclude the accession negotiations by the end of next year, in order to become a full EU member by 2028.

According to him, Montenegro also needs the EU, because in this way it would send a message not only to the Western Balkans, but also to other countries, that EU enlargement is alive and possible.

Montenegro, Zenovic stressed, views the Western Balkans as part of the EU and wants regional cooperation and good-neighborly relations to reach a higher level.

Responding to questions about the construction of the wastewater treatment plant in Botun, he said that it is problematic that its construction is being justified with the EU and its legislation.

Zenovic emphasized that the EU does not dictate when and where wastewater treatment systems will be built.

“The message that is being sent is that we are hesitant to resolve one of the most important issues, bearing in mind that Podgorica is the capital and has the largest population, and we still need to build a dozen such plants in Montenegro”, said Zenovic.

Croatia’s Ambassador to Montenegro, Veselko Grubisic, said that on the road to EU integration, good neighborly relations is of particular importance, stating that relations between Montenegro and Croatia are generally good.

He said that he believes that the open issues between the two neighboring countries will be resolved, stressing that very constructive negotiations have been ongoing for the past nine months.

Executive director of the ALFA center, Milos Perovic, said that more than 150 participants had registered for this year’s REACT forum, noting that it grew and evolved, but that one thing remained constant, and that is bringing together young people from the region to learn, exchange ideas and establish lasting friendships.