hr flag go to the original language article
This article has been translated by Artificial Intelligence (AI). The news agency is not responsible for the content of the translated article. The original was published by HINA.

Michel’s message to Montenegro: not just words, but actions

by AI | 02.Jul 2024 | Europe in brief AI

Michel received the Montenegrin president in Brussels instead of Podgorica and sent a strong message to Montenegro’s leadership not to miss the opportunity and to do everything on the path toward the EU, which must be earned and not taken for granted.

BRUSSELS – The EU expects Montenegro to maintain a positive reform momentum and achieve results on its strategic path to the EU, not just in words but also in deeds by all political actors, according to the office of European Council President Charles Michel.

“The EU counts on Montenegro to maintain a positive reform momentum and achieve results on its strategic path to the EU, not just in words but also in deeds by all political actors, in line with the country’s goal to join the EU as the next member state,” said the statement issued after Michel’s meeting with Montenegrin President Jakov Milatović.

“There is new momentum in the EU enlargement process, and Montenegro as a leader in the accession process has a real opportunity to progress. This should neither be missed nor taken for granted,” it added.

Michel met with Milatović in Brussels, instead of in Montenegro as previously planned, since the European Council President postponed the visit after the Montenegrin parliament adopted a resolution on Jasenovac.

The Montenegrin Assembly on Friday, at the initiative of the pro-Serbian and pro-Russian right, adopted a resolution on genocide in the Jasenovac, Dachau, and Mauthausen camps.

The resolution was supported by 41 government deputies while the opposition and a portion of the ruling deputies left the chamber, so almost half of the 81 deputies did not attend the vote.

In a sharp response, the Croatian Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs stated, among other things, that the adoption of the resolution would slow Montenegro’s integration into the EU and called on Podgorica to prosecute war crimes that occurred during the siege of Dubrovnik.

“Good neighborly relations remain an important element of the accession process and should not be jeopardized,” Michel’s statement said, adding that he “appreciates Milatović’s engagement in this regard.” (2 July 2024)