Montenegro is a step away from membership in the European Union (EU), says the newly elected President Milo Djukanovic.
In an interview with the Japanese daily Asahi Shimbun on the occasion of the EU-Western Balkans Summit in Sofia, the President said it is natural for all countries to aspire to a higher quality of life.
“If we want a developed market economy, a developed democracy, an improved rule of law, respect for human and minority rights, the Balkans need deep and comprehensive reforms, and it takes time and a strong will to implement them”, Mr. Djukanovic explained.
Asked whether the main task of his presidential mandate would be to bring the country closer to the EU, he said he strongly advocated that Montenegro restores independence, precisely in order to take responsibility for its future.
“From day one, we unequivocally said this future will be European and Euro-Atlantic. We have achieved the first part by becoming a NATO member, but now it’s time for part two, and we believe Montenegro is just a step away from becoming a full member of the EU”, he said.
Asked if he expects Russia’s pressure on the road to the EU, as was the case during Montenegro’s accession to NATO, President Djukanovic said that with an ongoing intensification of EU-Russian relations, Montenegro’s experience on the path to NATO membership was merely a consequence of this changed relationship on the global stage, between the East and the West.
Djukanovic said that this high-profile engagement of Russia in the Balkans is primarily the message to the EU and NATO that they want to regain previous significance and influence on the global stage, in resolving global issues.
Of course, he said, Montenegro and other Balkan countries have the right to choose their future.
“I believe that the unquestionable future of Western Balkan societies is in European and Euro-Atlantic integration”, Mr. Djukanovic said.
He added that, however, it is realistic to assume that these integration processes will take place in somewhat difficult conditions, as a consequence of this misunderstanding that persists on the global scene.
