November 9, 2019 - EU accession isn’ Montenegro’s only interest. We want to be fully ready for the membership and meet all the criteria, especially in the rule of law, as it is the foundation of the European quality of life. That’s our top priority, said vice-president of the Government, Mr Zoran Pazin, during the meeting convened as part of the ongoing Strategic Dialogue on the Western Balkans with the officials of the Western Balkans, EU member states and European institutions, organized by the World Economic Forum in Geneva.
Mr Pazin pointed out that the essence of the European policy in Montenegro was reaching the higher living standard and developing society which would function by rules applied in the most developed European democracies. He added that the total transformation of the society was achievable but only through the unhindered process.
“Never in its long history has Montenegro managed to get hold of something easily. Therefore, we don’t expect that to happen now. On the contrary, we are working hard on developing a society where European rules and standards will apply. However, we expect our European partners to recognize our real progress”, said Mr Pazin.
While talking about the reserved view on the EU enlargement policy, Mr Pazin said that considering some more efficient way of functioning within the Union was completely legitimate. He said that the integration process should continue as it “is in the interest of both the EU and WB”. Any other scenario would leave room for the increase of anti-European and populist forces.
The idea of the so-called reversibility principle is not a sustainable solution, states Mr Pazin, considering the already established principles of international law.
Mr Pažin emphasized Germany’s important role in the promotion of European values. He expressed gratitude for the support members of Višegrad group pledged for Montenegro. In that context, Mr Pazin stressed that so far the German principle of Euro-integration had produced concrete results and that such relations between the EU and other countries aspiring to be part of it should continue.
Mr Pazin reminded that one of Montenegro’s top priorities was strengthening relations with neighbors. He said that the “mini Schengen” initiative would lead to high-quality EU integration.
Mr Pazin said that it was very important that every country in the EU accession process should be enabled to make progress in accordance with reform results and other successes.
Text by CDM on November 8, 2019, read more here.
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