Von der Leyen: It is up to the citizens of Montenegro to decide who will be the leaders and how the institutions will function

The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, who is on an official visit to Montenegro, said that she believes in Montenegro's ability to continue on the right path, and that the citizens of Montenegro will decide who will be the leaders of the country. She said this in response to a question to comment on Serbian interference in the EU, and the statement that the EU is silent on it.
At a media conference with Montenegrin President Jakov Milatović, she said that Montenegro is a democratic and free country and Montenegro's elections are to choose its leaders and to form institutions.
I believe in the ability of Montenegro to continue on the right path, and it is up to the citizens of Montenegro to decide who will be the leaders and how the institutions will function - she said.
The President of Montenegro, Jakov Milatović, said that enlargement issues are again at the top of the EU agenda thanks to the President of the European Commission.
This is supported by today's visit and a series of encouraging messages, in whose presence we recognize the determination to revitalize the enlargement process - said Milatović, adding that Montenegro is closer to the EU than the other candidates - said Milatović at a conference with EC President Ursula von der Leyen, who is staying in official visit to Podgorica.
The prospect of membership before 2030 is realistic and possible. Montenegro practically has no open issues with its neighbors, it is a member of NATO, it is a small economy that bases its monetary policy on the use of the euro, it has advanced the farthest in EU integration, its policy is aligned with the EU's foreign policy and it has a truly European-oriented political majority. No other country aspiring to be a member of the EU has all this - said Milatović.
He said that he is in favor of the principle of regatta when joining the EU.
Milatović said that he understands the critical stance of the EU in the report on Montenegro and the EP resolutions, and he hopes, as he said, that we have learned lessons in this sense at the national level.
He pointed out that Montenegro remains committed to realizing the European dream, which, he says, has been confirmed by its actions so far.
EC President Ursula von der Leyen said that enlargement is at the top of the Commission's priorities.
I know how dedicated the citizens of Montenegro are to joining the EU and becoming a European country, and it is a pleasure to go through different topics. I am glad that we will help to make it happen - said Von der Leyen, adding that for a long time Montenegro has been the most advanced country.
I am glad that you are determined to maintain that position - added Von der Leyen.
I think you should be focused on the task of accession. I am looking forward to meeting the Prime Minister and I am glad that the whole country speaks one language and that you have chosen one direction - she pointed out.
Push Montenegro to membership
Von der Leyen was asked how realistic it is that Montenegro will become part of the EU before 2030, she said that there is no need to wait.
Montenegro, the leader, has the last mile to go, it needs to be pushed, determination is needed. Access is based on achievements, if you meet certain conditions, we will not be bound by a date - she said.
Milatović: I welcome the decision to postpone the census
Milatović was asked what he expects the new government to do, and what the previous two did not do, and whether he is satisfied with the decision to postpone the census.
He welcomed the decision of the Government and the new parliamentary majority to "be ready for a political dialogue concerning the census".
Census is the most basic statistical question. I understood that Eurostat is in regular communication with Monstat and that he stated as a European institution that he has confidence that Monstat can conduct the census in a European manner in Montenegro. I welcome the decision of the Government and the new parliamentary majority to be ready for a political dialogue regarding the census and to postpone the census for a month in order to additionally fulfill the political demands that exist on the other side - said Milatović.
Following the statements, I realize that the list could have started already now. I think it is not out of place to wait a month and reach an agreement if there is a will on the other side, he added.
He appealed not to politicize the issue of the census. "The list is important as a report that will help us make smarter policies tomorrow."
Milatović said that the good news is that Montenegro got a government and that he expects from it what the prime minister said publicly, that the country stays on the Euro-Atlantic course and works to speed up the European path.
I expect the Government to further speed up the reforms concerning the judiciary on the internal level. In the exposé, the part concerning the judiciary is explained in the most detail, and I welcome that - he stated.
He said that the government will have a "friend and comrade" in him as president if it "persists on this path in principle".
The consolidation of the new parliamentary majority is good, I expect a political consensus regarding appointments in the judiciary. This is the most important thing that should speed up the EU accession process - he said.
POBJEDA