Šarec: I want to believe that the ruling majority knows what it is doing

SOURCE: POBJEDA- AUTHOR: M.J. GDNUS

The European Parliament rapporteur for Montenegro, Marjan Šarec, said that Montenegro faces a large number of questions and problems on its European path, but that he wants to believe that the ruling majority knows what it is doing and will continue the process. Regarding the agreement signed by the country with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), he said that all open issues must be considered once again, with a clear position from the European Commission.

Commenting on the response of Marta Kos, Commissioner for Enlargement, and asked whether he thought that the Montenegrin authorities were taking the warnings from Brussels seriously, Šarec said that he understood Marta Kos' letter to mean that she did not a priori say that the agreement was bad as a whole, just as, he says, he did not say that either.

- The Commissioner and I expressed our concern that some things in the agreement could be problematic if not given enough attention. I have read the publications in various media in Montenegro, or rather the interpretations that were different. If anyone is going to be happy about the positive results for the Montenegrin economy, it will be me. And, I am convinced, so will Commissioner Marta Kos. As for the reactions to the warning, I have personally been in contact with representatives of the Government, saying the same thing - that I just want everything to be right, so that there would be no difficulties in the future. I got the impression that they also care about not circumventing the standards - said Šarec.

The EC must have a clear position on the agreement

When asked whether he expected that, after the President of the country Jakov Milatović returned the agreement for re-adoption, there would be a revision, Šarec emphasized that his position during the adoption was to consider all open issues once again in order, as he stated, to remove any doubt.

- But there must also be a clear position of the European Commission on the direction to be taken, that there will ultimately be a positive outcome. But it would also be good not to politicize the issue too much and to keep it at a professional level. However, I think that the Prime Minister, as an economist, wants to achieve this - is Šarec's position.

When it comes to the difficulties on the European path and the prospects for closing a certain number of chapters by the end of the year, Šarec assesses that there are many questions and problems facing Montenegro, but that it is crucial to focus on finding solutions step by step.

- Time is a factor that is stronger every day. We are already in May. But as a man who has held executive positions, I must also emphasize that it is easy to criticize from the home seat. I want to believe that the ruling majority knows what they are doing and that they will continue the process. It is true that not everything was done perfectly, that something could have been done differently, but there is no environment where everything would be without error. As always, I will say - that we can declare victory only when Montenegro enters the EU - Šarec emphasized.

He also notes that it is difficult to make forecasts about whether, as the authorities claim, all negotiation chapters could be closed by the end of 2026.

- Something unforeseen can always happen, as in the case of the chapter on good neighborly relations and security last year. But as far as I'm concerned, a lot of effort will certainly be needed on the issue of crime and corruption, the environment and electoral legislation - is Šarec's message.

Not a good time for EU reform

Speaking about the coalition agreement of the German government, in which one of the clauses suggests that the enlargement process should be stopped until the decision-making system is reformed, Šarec says that, although he has not read the treaty, he shares the view that it is not all up to Montenegro.

- As for the idea that the system should be reformed first and then accept new members, it does not seem good to me, because it could take a long time. If not for the other reason, then because of the events in the world. It is like changing the roof in a storm. The decision-making system is slow and I am the first to want decisions to move faster. But this coin has two sides. Small countries could lose influence when deciding by qualified majority. I am convinced that this system is capable of accepting "front runners" in the current mandate, which Montenegro certainly is - Šarec stated.

The EU, says our interlocutor, will finally need to show some activity and fulfill some promises.

- That would be fair for Montenegro and others. If someone takes steps, closes chapters, has a strong intention, in the end they should be rewarded for it. And not like in the case of North Macedonia, which did everything that was required of it, changed the constitution several times, and there was no progress. That was a very bad message from the EU - Šarec concluded.

Albania's progress can be a motivation for Montenegro

Questioned about whether Albania can "threaten" Montenegro in the negotiations, as has been speculated for some time, Šarec said that competition is always good for examining one's own work.

- Without competition, you can fall asleep on past successes. I assess Albania's progress as a motivation for Montenegro to continue on the path it has been on so far. Realistically, as things stand now, Montenegro and Albania are the countries that are most to be reckoned with – concludes Šarec.