EU Ambassador to Montenegro, Johann Sattler, has said that every upcoming parliamentary vote requiring a two-thirds majority will effectively serve as a “mini-referendum” on the country’s EU accession, stressing that both the ruling majority and the opposition share responsibility for Montenegro’s European future.
In an interview with Vijesti, Mr Sattler said constitutional amendments, the appointment of Constitutional Court judges and members of the Judicial Council, as well as the completion of electoral reforms, are essential for advancing EU membership talks.
He also stressed that no amount of goodwill from Brussels could replace the political decisions that Montenegro itself must make, adding that progress on the rule of law remains crucial for closing negotiating Chapters 23 and 24.
Mr Sattler urged political parties to put the national interest ahead of differences and reach compromises in line with European standards, expressing confidence that an agreement is achievable.
He also described the EC’s planned €3.2 billion financial package for Montenegro after EU accession as a strong signal that the bloc was seriously preparing for the country’s membership, provided it successfully completed the required reforms.
