Montenegro achieved a significant milestone yesterday at the Intergovernmental Conference in Brussels, receiving a positive report on the fulfillment of interim measures regarding the rule of law (IBAR).
According to statements from Brussels, this marks a historic day not only for Montenegro but also for the European Union.
“The success of Montenegro over the past six months confirms that reforms pay off, and that the enlargement process is alive and can progress based on merit,” emphasized during the conference.
Prime Minister Milojko Spajić emphasized that Montenegro must not repeat years of stagnation and waiting for reforms that fundamentally improve the standards and quality of life for Montenegrin citizens.
“This day, alongside the positive IBAR in the rule of law sector, marks the full reopening of opportunities to close other chapters for the first time in the last seven years. This is cause for celebration and a source of new hope for our EU path,” said Prime Minister Spajić during the Intergovernmental Conference chaired by Belgian Foreign Minister Hađa Labib.
“We started the Belgian EU presidency with a meeting with Montenegro, and we are concluding it in the same way. You promised results and delivered. Chapters 23 and 24 are the heart of the negotiation process, and further progress depends on you; you hold the keys,” Labib noted.
European Commissioner for Neighborhood and Enlargement, Oliver Varhelyi, congratulated Montenegro on its exceptional efforts in achieving IBAR and its commitment to meeting stringent EU standards.
“IBAR is an achievement signaling that you are entering the final phase of the negotiation process. This is a strong political signal for the people of Montenegro that the enlargement process is alive. This is a historic moment for all candidate countries, as for the first time since Croatia, a country has received IBAR, sending a powerful message,” Varhelyi emphasized.
Praise for the performance of the Montenegrin government and parliament in the previous period came from representatives of all EU member states.
“Montenegro has once again demonstrated dedication to the European Union and has emerged as a leader in integration. We commend your efforts and determination to uphold the values cherished by the broader European family. Montenegro has taken all steps to return to the correct European path, and politically, we hope you will stay on that path. Other candidate countries will look up to you, making your success significant. Now, as the European Union, we must demonstrate commitment to supporting you in your efforts,” said Marko Stucin, Minister of European Affairs of Slovenia.
During the meeting, it was underscored that Montenegro is an important partner for the European Union in the Western Balkans, and that enlargement is a crucial geopolitical and strategic goal for European stability.
With the final benchmarks for Chapters 23 and 24, Montenegro received support from all EU countries, alongside a message that the final stage of negotiations requires maintaining focus and equal dedication to reforms as in the preceding period.
Prime Minister Milojko Spajić led the delegation at the Intergovernmental Conference, attended by, among others, Minister of European Affairs Maida Gorčević, Minister of Foreign Affairs Filip Ivanović, and Chief Negotiator with the EU Predrag Zenović.
