Podgorica, (MINA) – By following its national interests, Montenegro has identified EU membership as its strategic goal and is working to conclude the negotiations by the end of the year, said Minister of European Affairs Maida Gorcevic.

Commenting on the results of the Iceland referendum, in which reopening of EU accession negotiations did not win necessary support, she said that she respects democratically expressed will of Icelanders and their right to make decisions about the future of the country in accordance with its own circumstances, priorities and interests.

“Montenegro, precisely by following its national interests, has identified membership in the European Union as its strategic goal”, Gorcevic wrote on the X social network.

According to her, this ambition is based on the belief that European integration means stronger institutions, greater security, more opportunities and a better quality of life for citizens.

Gorcevic said that an overwhelming majority of Montenegrin citizens, as shown by numerous surveys, support the European path.

“Therefore, we are working to conclude the negotiations by the end of the year and achieve the generational goal of full membership by 2028”, said she.