Podgorica, (MINA) – The European perspective certainly stays the main reform initiator in the Western Balkans, said president of Montenegro Milo Djukanovic, during the meeting of the leaders of the Brdo-Brioni process in Tirana.
He remarked that it is of extreme importance that accession of all countries of the region remains one of the EU’s priorities.
Montenegro, according to him, is dedicated to catching up with and keeping up with the European system of values, convinced that only thus it can secure stability and security, and improve social and economic development and the rule of law.
Meeting standards, according to him, is above all, and there is no compromise, nor should it be asked for, RTCG portal reports.
“We want to join the Union as an equal member, ready to face everything that membership obligations bring with them. Dates are not the imperative, it is more important what we are going to do by then, and I don’t mean that only the region has a job to do. It is equally important, even more important, what Europe will do in terms of Europeanization by then”, said Djukanovic.
He stressed the importance of closer cooperation in the region, regarding focusing on intensifying reforms and joint commitment to resolving the pressing issues. “The recent agreement between Athens and Skopje is a good example and incentive’.
“I want to support efforts of presidents Vucic and Thaci to, following the brave start with tackling one of the most difficult issues in the region, recognize a historical chance to close that issue in a long-term and sustainable manner”, Djukanovic noted.
He added that equal commitment in investing efforts and helping establishing quality functionality of Bosnia and Herzegovina is necessary, with the goal of its foreseeable European perspective.
“We believe that the EU also must bear in mind that the region’s integration is the main factor of security in the continent and its competitiveness at the global level. The best EU consolidation means completion of the vision of the united Europe. We must not postpone too far European future of the Balkans, it must be clear and foreseeable”, said Djukanovic.
He stressed that he hoped that the European Council’s conclusions in June will confirm such a standpoint.
Djukanovic emphasized that Montenegro highly values the Berlin process, and that it is of great importance to pay more attention to the economy issues.
According to him, infrastructure connectedness is the precondition of strengthening of economic integration, and thus competitiveness of the region.
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