It is important for Montenegro to remain a leader in the European integration, to carry that flag, to retain courage in implementing reforms, to be enthusiastic on the road to the EU, and the EU will find ways to resolve the internal issues. Whatever it may look like, the enlargement is still one of the topmost priorities of Brussels and the EU member states, and Montenegro, just like other WB countries, will join it one day. The enlargement is our common interest. Your country is beautiful, you have wonderful people and nature, rich history and culture. Montenegro is a great country on a small territory, Ambassador of Bulgaria to Montenegro, Meglena Plugchieva, told in an interview for Dnevne Novine daily.
The Ambassador was speaking about the importance of continuing the dialogue on EU enlargement, about Bulgaria’s support to Montenegro, and about her country’s experiences on the road to EU, noting that there is nowhere in the world an alliance with as much democracy annd protection of human and social rights as there is in the EU.
“I firmly believe that the EU will not allow the Western Balkans to become a black hole. On the other hand, the EU says very little about its contribution to the development of the old and future members, which is a mistake. We know more about Chinese projects, rather than those of the EU,” said Ambassador Plugchieva.
Speaking about the enlargement, she said: “It is true that the EU is facing major problems that it must address quickly, such as Bregzit. But I am optimistic. The enlargement remains a priority and we should all work to continue with it as soon as possible.”
On her experience in MNE and Montenegro’s advantages compared to other countries of the region, Bulgaria’s Ambassador to Montenegro noted: “I welcome Montenegro’s progress in the European integration as it’s a leader on the road to EU. We’ve just had a conference in the EU Info Center where EU membership was discussed and where quality and speed of progress were also mentioned as pretty important. EU representatives endorsed the progress of Montenegro and encouraged her to move on.“
Airline route Podgorica – Sofia to be introduced
“The introduction of the Podgorica-Sofia and Sofia-Tivat airline route is my initiative and I will commit to realizing it. There are economic and tourism reasons for this initiative and both countries will gain benefits from it. The project included the ministries of transport from both countries. We wish each other success for a better and common European future!”
Great country on a small territory
When asked to assess the cooperation between Bulgaria and Montenegro and reflect on the main areas for both countries, she said: “I personally want to help Montenegro on its path to integration. Montenegro is a great country on a small territory. Let me remind you that Bulgaria was the first country to support the opening of Chapter 8. That was just one example of our support to your country. The projects we are jointly implementing will additionally foster our cooperation, I’m sure of that. And those are all concrete projects that people can feel. We have already signed agreements with the Ministry of Transport, the Ministry of Culture, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Health…”
