Podgorica, (MINA) – Despite waiting for a long time, Montenegro has restored the momentum with significant progress towards closing the EU chapters this year, which rekindled optimism for the EU membership, said Minister of European Affairs Maida Gorcevic.
Gorcevic had a series of bilateral meetings with the EU member states’ officials on the sidelines of the Europa Summit, organized by the Institute of the Regions of Europe, held in Salzburg.
Gorcevic met with Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Peter Szijjatro, Austrian Federal Minister for the EU and the Constitution, Karoline Edtstadler, as well as the Minister of Regional Development and EU Funds of Croatia, Sime Erlic, and Minister of Cohesion and Regional Development of Slovenia, Aleksander Jevsek.
According to the press release, Szijjarto welcomed the efforts and commitment of Montenegro and its great progress in the negotiation process, adding that for Montenegro the situation with the closing of the negotiation chapters is clear.
The press release further states that Hungary is preparing an Intergovernmental Conference where Montenegro will close four chapters.
Edstadler said that Austria advocates for a merit-based approach, adding that Montenegro is the most advanced in the negotiation process and that it can become the 28th EU member by 2028.
During the meeting with Erlic, Gorcevic discussed the transformation of IPA into regional funds and preparation for what awaits the country after the membership.
Jevsek offered Slovenia’s assistance in the area of cohesion policy so that Montenegro could prepare for what comes after full EU membership – regional funds that bring many more opportunities and money.
