Podgorica, (MINA) – Montenegro wants to join the EU dignfied, fulfilling all necessary obligations and respecting all requiremens, while preserving history, tradition and identity, said Parliament Speake Andrija Mandic.

Speaking at the Conference of Speakers of EU Parliaments in Budapest, which focuses on the future of Europe, he said that Montenegro, which he believes will soon become the next EU member state, is fundamentaly connected with the European idea.

“I believe that it is widely knwn that Montenegro’s desire is to join the EU with our heads held high – dignified, fulfilling all the necessary obligations, respecting all the requiremnets, while maintaining our history, tradition and identity,” said Mandic.

He said that the current convocation of the Montenegro’s Parliament has completely unblocked the accession process in a very short time and yielded historic results, especially emphasizing the closing of three negotiation chapters at the end of last year.

Mandic said that they have a clear vision for Montenegro to close all chapters by the end of 2026, and to become the next EU member by 2028, with the support of the member states.

Mandic said that the EU, in a time of increasing global challenges, must be a pillar of peace, security and protect human dignity.

“I believe that only Europe that respects its nations can lead the free world”, Mandic said.