Everybody today should know very well that those who slow Montenegro down will also slow down, if not even stop, the Europeanization of Western Balkans. That further limits the stability, development, and competitiveness of Europe as a whole, said the President of Montenegro, Milo Đukanović, at the Final Conference of Regional Convention on the European Integration of Western Balkans which is taking place in Podgorica today.
“We are aware that our journey to the EU will not be easy at all, and it won’t be deprived of challenges either. But we haven’t entered into this process because we want a reward in the sense of membership. No. First and foremost, we want to adopt European standards and European values, we want to create better and safer life for our citizens. That’s our primary objective”, said Đukanović.
He pointed out that small Montenegro always knew how to withstand this difficult course, holding tightly the key to solution of the problems which were of regional importance.
“Unfortunately, we notice that specific political centers are trying to exaggerate the existing problems in order to gain perception that Montenegro doesn’t want to achieve European goal, while at the same time aiming to slow our country down on its way towards the EU. We want to point out that nobody will stop us on our European journey”, said Đukanović .
Đukanović said that they wouldn’t tolerate intentions of some NGOs which act as parapolitics organizations and participate unlawfully in the execution of power, taking over the role of state institutions, most often with the aim to satisfy their own material, political or other interests.
Đukanović added that Montenegro was open for cooperation with all social entities in order to bring the reforms to the end.
“We proved that we are open for positive initiatives and ideas of civil society, particularly for the innovations for the implementation of reforms in our society”, said Đukanović.
Đukanović believes that we are capable “of doing more in the construction of the new, European Balkans”.
“I believe that Europe can overcome its own fears, with united vision and strong determination of political elites. To cut the long story short, it doesn’t matter how big you are, but what matters is what you want and how committed you are to achieve that”, said Montenegrin president.
