In commenting the potential closing of the European Affairs Ministry and formation of the Chief Negotiator Office with the Prime Minister’s cabinet, he stated it is important to be well organized and involve people who have shown readiness to invest extraordinary efforts in achieving what is expected of Montenegro.
“Expertise is important, the second is a question of practice,” said Vuksanović for the MINA Agency.
Vuksanović, president of the parliament committee for European integrations, pointed out previous ascending countries did not have ministries, but administrative bodies as either Offices or similar form, having managed to complete the integration process successfully.
Commenting on the fact that Montenegro still does not have a Chief Negotiator with the European Union, Vuksanović said that person is key in running the process.
“It is important to be serious in choosing the person who will be organizing the entire workload in the negotiation structure. This is why the decision must not be hasty,” Vuksanović rated.
He feels that Montenegro has people who can fit the role in the proper way, although, in his words, it is not an easy job to take, considering the hard work, responsibility and dedication needed.
Vuksanović stated these events will be noted in the Montenegro Progress Report, to be presented at the end of the month, but he believes the EU will not delve into the issue deeper.
“I believe the focus of the report on the Montenegro progress will be issue regarding concrete results in key areas of the process: rule of law, basic rights, justice, media freedom, environment, competition,” rated Vuksanović.
Speaking of the EU future after Brexit and the possibility that another nation follows in UK footsteps, Vuksanović pointed out the EU is currently oriented towards interior consolidation.
“The rhetoric of European leaders is directed at promoting the creation of a strong Europe, through unity. Thus I do not believe the Brexit wave will affect other members,” rated Vuksanović.
He added he believes in the EU project which, in his words, is an incomplete process based on continued expansion and structural changes.
Speaking of the EU position in NATO-Russia relations, he said EU is a western-oriented project and although not all EU members are also part of the Alliance, its activities are coordinated with NATO decisions.
“Definitely not completely, as they are separate organizations, but the activity of the EU is more aligned with NATO, than with Russia,” rated Vuksanović.
The position of the Western Balkans is interesting to all international factors, due to its geopolitical position.
“And it has always been a crossroads for interests of global powers and as such in the center of their attention,” said Vuksanović.
Asked about a realistic chance of Western Balkans states becoming EU members by 2025, Vuksanović cited they would have to complete the entire negotiation process by 2023, “which is for the majority of regional states impossible.”
“Montenegro is leading this process. I prefer to view 2025 not as a date, but as a time horizon within which we should strive to complete as many commitments as we can,” he said.
Vuksanović said Montenegro is facing the most demanding period.
“We are now facing readiness tests for the implementation of what we harmonized in the previous period, measureable results which need to contribute to equal progress in meeting requirements to close chapters,” concluded Vuksanović.
Translated from Café del Montenegro, for the original click here.
