EU leaders agreed at the WB Summit in Poznan that linking agenda within the Berlin process produced results and that integration of the region was a certain political epilogue within the EU enlargement policy that had no alternative. Prime Minister, Mr Duško Marković, said that strong connections with the neighboring EU Member States continued on the internal connections of WB countries.
“Final declaration of the summit in Berlin states that the EU enlargement policy played a key role in important achievements of the countries in the region in the area of stability, stable neighborly relations, modernization of administration, and development of the society as a whole. Linking agenda is of crucial importance in that context. Development of main infrastructure corridors has clear vision – which makes the Agenda an encouragement for the integration process”, said the PM.
“Our roads and railways are on the corridors which are formally harmonized with the basic EU traffic network. Our gas pipelines and oil pipelines are built in such a way that they can ensure unhindered flow and free electricity and natural gas trading on the unique European market. Connection is a joint interest. Linking agenda produces results. The dynamics might not be as fast as expected, but the results are visible”, pointed out Mr Marković.
PM reminded that Montenegro was completing the first phase of Trans-Balkan electricity corridor, connecting electrical and energy systems of our region with Italy and confirming once again that the region needed internal connections as much as it needed strong connections with the neighboring EU Member States.
“It is very important that we do not lose focus on the successful segments of this process. Regional economic cooperation is a very important subject, but we don’t have to separate it from infrastructure connection”, said PM.
Infrastructure development is prerequisite for faster economic growth.
“It would be good if the Agenda extended to the area of digital agenda. We need smarter solutions in transport and energy, we need to open dialogue on energy transition, decarbonization and sustainable development. These issues won’t be settled thanks to reforms.”, said Mr Marković.
He pointed out that the EU had invested €8 billion in WB for 10 years.
Mr Marković and the delegation of Montenegrin Government traveled to Poland to take part at the Summit of heads of states ad governments of WB6.
This year’s Summit will focus on economic subjects, connection and results achieved in the application of Multi-Annual Action Plan for Regional Economic Area, as well as on the cooperation of civil sector and entrepreneurs.
