Received a positive IBAR: Optimism that we can join the EU by 2028.

AUTHOR: M.J.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Belgium, Hadja Labib, said that she was honored to have attended such an important event today, where Montenegro is taking a big step forward in negotiations with the EU. She said this after the Intergovernmental Conference of Montenegro and the European Union (EU), where Montenegro received a positive IBAR, thus entering the final process of negotiations with the EU in the area of ​​the rule of law.
Labib said that Montenegro has shown true will and results in recent months. It adopted a series of important laws and initiated steps towards the creation of depoliticized and strong institutions.
"Progress allows Montenegro to start temporarily closing some chapters," said Labib, emphasizing that IBAR recognizes all efforts of Montenegro.
Prime Minister Milojko Spajić congratulated all citizens of Montenegro, European partners, but also the countries in the region that helped, especially Croatia and Slovenia.
"I hope no one will extinguish that hope and Euro-optimism that we reawakened," Spajić said
He said that today is an important day, but also that every next one will be much more complex because we have to fulfill important tasks.
He also said that everything that has been done gives optimism to Montenegro that it can become a member of the EU by 2028.
Answering TVCG's questions, the Prime Minister said that Montenegro has plans to speed up the process, and that it looks forward to the EU with great optimism.
"This is like the Congress of Berlin, as far as the rule of law in Montenegro is concerned. I am glad that our efforts have finally been recognized. I expect new optimism and new energy from the entire government, and I expect the parliament to push us towards the same goal with new energy and strength." , Spajić added.
EU Enlargement Commissioner Oliver Varhelji said that Montenegro's plan is very ambitious, and that he expects that a large number of chapters can be closed in the next six months.
"I expect that by the end of the year we will see a critical number of chapters closed," said Varhelji.
When asked whether the resolution on Jasenovac will be adopted in the Parliament of Montenegro on Friday and why the topic of the Second World War is returning in the midst of the opening of the European path, Spajić thanked Croatia for its support for the Montenegrin European path.
"I have many resolutions that are mentioned. Unfortunately, we have entered a bit of a cycle with many resolutions. It somewhat diverts the focus from the economy, the rule of law and European integration. We will condemn all crimes. Of course including those from the dark '90s. What as far as I understand, that resolution is not on the agenda yet. However, it is a question for the parliament, because as you know, I do not set the agenda there," Spajić said.