WORLD NEWS FOR MONTENEGRO DIASPORA
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Unfortunately, Montenegro has not progressed in the accession process to the European Union for three years, stated the European Commissioner for Enlargement Oliver Varhelji, who today answered questions about the accession of the Western Balkan countries to the European Union in front of the MEPs.
He said that Montenegro opened the largest number of chapters as far as the institutional part is concerned and that we were really the leaders in the accession negotiations.
Unfortunately, given the internal political division in Montenegro, it was not possible to establish a clear government majority, and no progress was made in the accession negotiations - Varhelji pointed out.
He pointed out that the Montenegrin parliament is adopting amendments to the law that are against the opinion of the Venice Commission and that we are not getting closer to achieving key priorities.
The next step for Montenegro is to fulfill the internal benchmarks for the rule of law - that is, cluster number one - underlined Varhelji.
The European Commissioner for Enlargement said that Montenegro has certain methodologies, but that everything depends on whether it fulfills the priorities.
I heard that the parliament agreed to the appointment of new members of the Constitutional Court, and I hope that this will enable elections to be called this spring, and in those elections a strong majority in the parliament should be elected, which will achieve the progress of Montenegro - he said. Varhelji.
He said that elections are necessary and that everyone in Montenegro should stand behind them.
"Open Balkans" is a valuable initiative
Varhelji assessed that "Open Balkans" is a valuable initiative.
So this initiative comes from the region and should create European conditions within the region - that's why it's important that it comes true. Our original plan was a common regional market, but we encountered difficulties, so we had to leave it to those who want to advance to do it - said Varhelji.
He said they are already seeing the first results.
The open Balkans had a positive impact on the regional markets, and then those who were reserved came back for a hundred on the issue of a common regional market. Three important agreements are now being implemented. This should bring European standards and values that will be implemented before accession among the countries of the Western Balkans - added Varhelji.
He said that the "Open Balkans" can be a positive thing, but that it must be based on European norms.
Last year was significant for the accession of the countries of the Western Balkans
I think that last year was significant in terms of enlargement - said European Commissioner for Enlargement Oliver Varhelji, who is answering questions about the accession of the Western Balkan countries to the European Union today in front of the MEPs.
He responded to the statement that it seems that in some countries there is reduced support for the European path, that is, that it is stagnating.
We have three new candidate countries and we managed to establish the first international conference with North Macedonia and Albania - said Varhelji.
The European Commissioner for Enlargement said that the focus should not only be on institutional procedures.
It is very difficult to convince these countries to join us if there is no progress from our side, and that is why the commission started to push things and every step we take towards expansion is a good step - said Varhelji.
He said that it is very important that positive messages are heard from this House and that the countries of the Western Balkans hear that there is a place for them here.
But it is connected with many criteria and there can be no shortcuts. This means that there is a certain competition between countries in joining the EU. I hope things will speed up - said Varhelji.
He said that they are waiting for institutions to be established in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH).
In fact, everything is progressing quite well and when we see that the institutions are established, then we will turn to the government and the presidency in order to establish a political dialogue - said the European Commissioner for Enlargement.
Said that eight are key and 14 other priorities.
But for that we need functional institutions - underlined Varhelji.
As for the work itself, he said that the help of member states with the most knowledge will be needed, and as he added, one of them will be Slovenia.
The Slovenian government approached us and we are discussing with them how to use their help in the best possible way - added Varhelji.
He said that these are complex reforms and that it is not the legislation that is important - but the implementation of that legislation.
Last month, the European Parliament adopted a Resolution on the Common Foreign and Security Policy, demanding an independent and impartial investigation against Commissioner Varheli.
The MPs want to investigate whether the behavior and policies implemented by the Commissioner for the neighborhood and expansion represent a violation of the Code of Conduct for Commission members and the Commissioner's obligations defined by the Contracts.
From the parliamentary group of Socialists and Democrats (S&D), which is the second most represented in the EP with 145 deputies, they state that Commissioner Varhelji "consistently downplays the significance of Serbian President Vučić's attack on democracy" and that he allegedly even helped the separatist actions of Milorad Dodik in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
In November 2022, the European Parliament adopted recommendations on the new EU enlargement strategy, which states that the enlargement policy is "the most effective instrument of EU foreign policy and one of the most successful policies of the Union".
M. J.
