The best that all pro-European forces can do for Montenegro’s European future at the moment, whether in power or in opposition, is to find a way to work together outside the party, to unblock key rule of law reforms and enable the country to make progress on its path to the EU. That is what the vast majority of Montenegrin citizens who support Montenegro’s accession to the Union expect from them, says in an interview for Pobjeda the head of the EU Delegation to Montenegro, Ambassador Oana Cristina Popa. She warns that religious issues should not affect the operation of the executive branch.
“The European Commission has formed a joint unit for Montenegro and Serbia, as Montenegro and Serbia are currently two Western Balkan countries in the process of accession talks with the EU. Accession remains a merit-based process, and the pace of each country’s negotiation process remains largely dependent on progress in fundamental reforms”, she explains.
“In addition, at a recent political inter-governmental conference with Montenegro, EU member states reaffirmed their strong commitment to enlargement as a key EU policy that represents a strategic investment in peace, democracy, prosperity, security and stability in Europe. But in order to become a member of the EU, Montenegro, like any other candidate country, needs to meet standards and rules that uphold the core values of the EU and apply equally to all EU member states. There is no way to avoid it.”
When discussing the question relating to the role of the Serbian Orthodox Church, which practically formed the government at the Ostrog Monastery, Popa says that “the regulation of religious communities is primarily a national competence. However, religious issues should not affect the executive branch. This is the basic principle of separation of state and church in a secular state, such as Montenegro”.
“Montenegro is a sovereign state. It is essential that Montenegrin democratic institutions are able to conduct their policies autonomously, without any inappropriate external interference. This is in the best interest not only of Montenegro, but also of the entire region”, says Popa while discussing a question regarding the Serbian World project, forced by Belgrade.
Popa advises that everyone should get vaccinated so as not risk their lives, the lives of their beloved ones but also to prevent the collapse of the health system.
She says that “the latest Annual Report of the European Commission on Montenegro states that the RTCG program has recently started to show a more balanced editorial policy, with more politically diverse content. However, much remains to be done to protect RTCG from any form of political pressure or influence, and to restore editorial independence and professional standards”.
“Diversity and a culture of ethnic and religious tolerance is an important asset on Montenegro’s path to the EU. It is important for Montenegro to inherit and preserve this proud tradition, including ensuring equal treatment and involving all religious communities”, she concludes.
