The support of the National Assembly of France is of key importance for the ratification of the agreement on the accession of Montenegro to the European Union, said the Montenegrin Prime Minister, Millojko Spajic in Paris, reports Anadolu.

Spajic met in the National Assembly of France with the chairman of the Committee for European Affairs, Pierre-Alexandre Anglade and other deputies, stressing that it is a great honor to be given the opportunity. address the representatives of the French people.

Addressing the parliamentarians in French, Spajic said that the relations between Montenegro and France are not only friendly, but strategic, based on mutual trust, continuous political dialogue and concrete cooperation, which has been strengthened in all areas in recent years.

“I am fully aware that the enlargement of the European Union raises legitimate questions, some express concerns about the Union’s ability to expand without weakening. Others raise issues of sovereignty and security. It is an opportunity to make Europe stronger,” said Spajic, adding that Montenegro is a factor of stability in the Western Balkans. advances faster in the EU membership process.

“Your determination is yielding results and you are progressing quickly, and the drafting of the accession treaty is proof of this. We welcome the efforts and results you have achieved during the mandate of this government,” said Anglade.

Spajic emphasized that the Montenegrin society is multi-ethnic, multi-religious and based on a culture of dialogue and compromise, fully sharing values

“During fourteen years of negotiations, we have implemented deep reforms: strengthening the rule of law, consolidation of institutions, the fight against corruption and the responsible management of public finances. We do these reforms not only to meet technical criteria, but because they are right for our citizens and necessary for Europe”, said the Prime Minister of Montenegro.

During the speech, Spajic emphasized that Montenegro is already a reliable partner in the field of security and as a member of NATO, harmonized with the common foreign and security policy of the EU, contributes to the stability of the continent in a geopolitical context marked by the war in Ukraine and the growth of hybrid threats.

He emphasized that Montenegro’s ambition is to become a responsible member that respects the rules and is committed to real economic and social convergence.

“Our integration will not be a burden, but a contribution to the space of common prosperity,” he said. “Montenegro is a special case, the most advanced candidate state, constantly committed to the European path and ready to conclude negotiations in the near future. “Our success would also be a success for the credibility of the European Union. Montenegro’s membership will have an impact beyond our borders. It will send a clear message to the entire Western Balkans region merits bring concrete results. It will strengthen regional stability and limit external influences that do not share European values.

He added that the enlargement process does not depend only on the candidate countries, but also on the political will of the member states. “Montenegro does not require privilege. It requires fair recognition of its efforts. We want to join the EU not as a passive beneficiary, but as an active partner, ready to contribute to a stronger, more sovereign and more united Europe.” the economy, the labor market and the opportunities for young people that EU membership brings.

They emphasized that Montenegro can fully count on France’s support on the path to European integration.

Spajic also met in Paris with French President Emmanuel Macron, who said that Montenegro can count on France’s full political support in the final phase of negotiations with the EU.

Macron praised Mali’s reforming results of Zi and said that the country is “doing a great job”, stressing that its progress is an encouragement to other candidate countries for EU membership. “Montenegro’s success gives hope to others and shows that the expansion of the European Union is possible”, said Macron.

During the meeting, the close and friendly relations between the two countries were confirmed, with an emphasis on the strengthening of political, economic and strategic cooperation as well as the strong support of French experts in the final phase of the accession process.

Source: prizrenpost