Djukanovic has recently sent a sharp message to the Union, saying that Montenegro must be ready to provide its citizens with a European quality of life whether they become an EU member or not, and that neither Montenegro nor the Western Balkans are the grounds for experimentation.
"It is necessary, of course, that we all understand that our common interest in Montenegro is the adoption of a European value system not only in the legislative or institutional sphere but also in our practice of living, so that we all understand that what we have adopted must be unconditionally and unselectively applied, that the rule of law cannot be related only to those who do not like us, and to always seek the reasons for the exemption of those who like us. This must be equally well understood by our international partners," Djukanovic said, among other things, adding that in the Balkans, we all have and we all live "an inferior dependency syndrome, provincial dependency in relation to certain assumed international authorities."
"I do not live in that world," the president said, commenting on the dismissal of General director Andrijana Kadija, who was clearly told by the EU that she is against the freedom of media and freedom of expression.On the other hand, the Prime Minister said that the Western Balkans want to be a part of Europe and have European values.
"We want to belong to Europe. It is Europe that we need, it is Europe's affiliation that will enable us to valorize resources and make our lives better," said the prime minister. The Democratic Party of Montenegro said that, regarding the anti-EU statements and moves by Djukanovic, such does not relate to the loss of EU authority, but to his loss of compass.
"It is quite clear that he does not lose EU authority, but Milo loses the compass. In general, the EU's authority rests on its ability to develop successfully and make balanced political and economic life of the Old Continent with all the differences and contradictions. Closer to the point, EU authority can never be questioned as long as we are a candidate country for EU membership," the vice president of the Democrats Momo Koprivic said.
Koprivica PHOTO: Svetlana Mandić
The vice president of the URA Civil Society Movement, Milos Konatar, says that Djukanovic has never honestly been for Montenegro's membership in the EU, for a simple reason because the membership implies fulfillment of democratic standards, strong and independent institutions, free media, a sincere fight against corruption and organized crime.
"Therefore, everything is the opposite of what he and his politics symbolize. Djukanovic's latest statements about the EU are nothing more than the result of the feeling that his dictatorship is in danger because from the EU a clear message was sent, that it is time for concrete results, not just for the story and declarative reforms as it has been so far," says Konatar.
The EU, he adds, is certainly the most important partner of Montenegro.
"And their greater involvement in the reform process is indispensable given that the achievement of the European standards is the strategic interest of our country and its citizens," Konatar said.
Konatar PHOTO: Coalition for 21st Century
Koprivica states that Djukanovic's attempts "to reduce the EU authority are futile and irresponsible". "Because the country is obliged by the Agreement on association and stabilization.
"SPP clearly defines relations and prudent policies must account for this if it does not want to cause dramatic damages. His power is too small for great wars. He becomes a key factor of isolationism and the setback of Montenegro. Everyone can try to turn from the path of EU integration, but not without consequences. If so, how can we talk about the weakening EU authority? Of course not, because there is a loss and failure for those who get distant from the EU, as a civilization framework and the key development mechanism of the European continent," says the vice-president of the Democrats.
The delegate from the Democratic Front (DF) Jovan Vučurović says that Europe is a broad term, and regarding the Brussels bureaucracy, according to him, it is obvious that Djukanovic found a successful formula for them "in which he can pass by with everything. "And he and his regime do not suffer any sanctions and consequences. The one who is the least shaken by the RTCG story is DF, because whoever came as the chief of this Public Service worked unprofessionally and directly against the DF," claims Vučurović.
Text by Darvin Muric, on June 18th 2018, read more at Vijesti
