The French Ambassador to Montenegro, Anne-Marie Maske, emphasizes that the rule of law and respect for the legal framework are vital for a mature democracy. The Parliament plays a central role in democracy, where MPs must engage in respectful debate to find solutions and move forward together. All parties must be genuinely committed to the country’s wellbeing, especially regarding Montenegro’s European Union aspirations, as failure to do so could jeopardize the set EU membership timeline.
Maske reflects on the Elysée Treaty of 1963 between France and Germany, which ended decades of rivalry and laid the foundation for European integration. She advocates for a similar approach in the Western Balkans, promoting dialogue and reconciliation through both government actions and civil society engagement, particularly youth involvement.
Regarding Montenegro’s EU prospects, Maske notes that EU accession depends on each candidate’s merits, such as adopting EU laws and values. Montenegro has set a goal to join the EU by 2028, aligning with the European foreign policy and making progress on the rule of law criteria. If this momentum continues, Montenegro could join the EU, as all parliamentary parties support this goal and must act accordingly to achieve it.
Regarding the ongoing political instability and opposition blockades in the Montenegrin parliament, Maske stresses that while she is not a legal expert, she welcomes the involvement of the Venice Commission to help resolve the issue. However, she also believes that Montenegro must ultimately take responsibility for acting on the Commission’s recommendations.
Maske also provides an update on the cooperation between France and Montenegro in key areas like health, defense, ecology, and infrastructure. She points out concrete progress, such as the French Development Agency’s plans to open an office in Podgorica to support green transition projects.
On the topic of student protests in both Serbia and Montenegro, Maske notes that while the protests in Montenegro were triggered by a tragic event, they reflect the citizens’ fundamental rights to express their grievances. She emphasizes France’s commitment to supporting Montenegro in addressing issues like the illegal arms trade and enhancing police and security cooperation, particularly in the aftermath of the tragedy in Cetinje.
She expresses strong support for the airport concession project in Montenegro, viewing it as an essential step in modernizing the country’s infrastructure to compete with neighboring airports. With the French company Aeroports de Paris (ADP) as one of the finalists in the tender, she emphasizes that better airport infrastructure will foster Montenegro’s tourism and economic growth, especially concerning European integration.
Regarding economic cooperation, Maske highlights the growing interest of French companies in Montenegro, particularly in the tourism sector. She notes that as Montenegro progresses towards European integration, French businesses are eager to invest and explore new opportunities, with a French entrepreneurs’ visit to Montenegro planned for spring to discuss potential partnerships.
On the topic of the EU tariffs announced by Donald Trump, Maske states that it’s too early to predict the effects but emphasizes the importance of dialogue. She points out that American companies operating in Europe would also be affected by such tariffs, urging a balanced approach and strong defense of European interests.
On the situation in Ukraine, Maske reaffirms France’s commitment to supporting Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression, while ensuring any peace agreement respects international law. She underscores the distinction between a ceasefire and a lasting peace, recalling past failed peace attempts, and stresses that France will continue working with its partners to secure a sustainable peace.
In response to Washington’s demand for Europe to provide security guarantees for Ukraine, Maske acknowledges that Europe will need to take a greater role in ensuring security on the continent. She stresses that Europe has already assumed significant responsibility for Ukraine’s military and economic support, and now, the geopolitical situation presents an opportunity for Europe to assert itself as a strategic power. Maske highlights the importance of strengthening Europe’s security capabilities and continuing its support for Ukraine, including enhancing the European pillar of NATO, which France supports.
On the topic of the historical gesture made in 2017 by France, when Florence Mangin presented Montenegro’s Prince Nikola Petrovic with France’s highest honor, the National Order of the Legion of Honor, Maske reflects on the positive development of relations between Montenegro and France. She notes that these relations are now built on trust and respect and that both countries continue to strengthen their ties, particularly in European values and cooperation. She also praises the ongoing work of Prince Nikola Petrovic and his foundation, which focuses on important topics such as green transition and sustainability—issues that are also priorities for France in Montenegro.
