Montenegro and the EU: Mandić and Denmark Fighting for Enlargement
The Parliament of Montenegro is not just a place for political debates but a key player in European integration, said Andrija Mandić at the conference “The Future of EU Enlargement – The Future Now.” Montenegro is the most advanced candidate country in the EU accession process, with all 33 negotiation chapters opened and seven already closed, four of which were closed at a record speed thanks to the new parliamentary majority.
European rapporteur Marjan Šarec emphasized that the citizens of Montenegro strongly support the path to the EU, and accession is primarily in the interest of the citizens. He called on political actors to make additional efforts to make the process faster and more efficient. Montenegro is also a credible NATO partner, which further confirms its European orientation.
Maida Gorčević from the Ministry of European Affairs highlighted concrete results, including the closure of the chapter on public procurement, one of the most demanding in the negotiations. The government has restored trust and reforms, and institutions have become more agile and efficient. Ricardo Seri, Deputy Head of the EU Delegation to Montenegro, stressed that cooperation between the government and opposition is the key to success and that Montenegro is on the right track.
On the other hand, Danish envoy Mari Bjere stresses that EU enlargement is a geopolitical necessity, especially in light of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. During Denmark’s presidency of the EU Council, enlargement will be one of the key priorities. Candidate countries, including Montenegro and Albania, lead reforms in the Western Balkans, while Serbia’s progress is slower. The EU must be ready to accept new members but also insist on reforms and respect for democratic values.
This momentum in enlargement policy has not existed for years, and the opening of new clusters in negotiations is expected, which would bring Montenegro closer to EU membership. However, challenges remain, and political will and cooperation of all actors are key to success.
If you think this is just another political story, think again! While Europe trembles from geopolitical challenges, Montenegro and Denmark push enlargement as a salvation for stability and security. Will Montenegro really close all chapters and become an EU member? Or is this just another story we’ve been hearing for decades? Drop a comment, share your thoughts – is Montenegro’s European dream on the verge of realization or a distant illusion?
