Nicosia: Cyprus is set to play a pivotal role in Montenegro's European Union accession journey, Montenegro's Minister for European Affairs Maida Gorcevic told CNA. Podgorica anticipates substantial advancements from Cyprus' EU Presidency, particularly in closing more negotiating chapters and establishing a working group on Montenegro's accession treaty.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Gorcevic emphasized that closing the remaining 20 chapters out of 33 by the year's end is ambitious yet feasible. She highlighted the political momentum in Montenegro and the country's eagerness to join the EU, expressing confidence that Montenegro will be a success story in EU enlargement, bringing new energy to the Union. Additionally, she announced that Montenegro's Prime Minister plans to visit Nicosia in the latter half of Cyprus' EU Presidency.
Gorcevic, during her working visit to Cyprus, met with Deputy Minister for European Affairs Marilena Raouna and President of the House Committee on Foreign and European Affairs Harris Georgiades. The discussions underscored that the EU accession process is both technical and political, requiring strong commitment from Cyprus' government and parliament to support Montenegro's EU aspirations. For Montenegro, EU membership represents not just a goal but a reflection of the European values it strives to uphold.
In her meetings in Nicosia, Gorcevic observed a strong commitment from Cyprus towards Montenegro, especially regarding planning and expected developments by June. These include organizing more agencies or intergovernmental conferences for chapter closures and prioritizing enlargement during Cyprus' Presidency.
Addressing Montenegro's ambition to become the 28th EU Member State by 2028, Gorcevic acknowledged the challenge of closing 20 chapters with 13 already completed. However, she expressed optimism in the agenda and planning, coordinated with the European Commission, Member States, and notably Ireland, whose EU Presidency follows Cyprus.
Gorcevic highlighted Montenegro's readiness to work towards the ambitious agenda, capitalizing on political momentum and cooperation with Cyprus and other EU nations. She noted the successful closure of a chapter in January, attributing it to the effective collaboration between Montenegro and Cyprus, and expressed hopes for monthly chapter closures.
She stressed the importance of communication between Montenegro, Cyprus, and other Member States, as unanimous votes are required for Montenegro's progress. The message from her meetings was clear: enlargement is crucial for motivating candidate countries and addressing geopolitical and security concerns.
Gorcevic acknowledged the merit-based approach as the only effective method for EU enlargement. While supportive of the Western Balkans joining the EU collectively, she emphasized that past attempts had failed due to a lack of motivation among countries. She praised Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina's progress and reaffirmed Montenegro's position as a frontrunner in EU accession.
Discussing bilateral relations between Cyprus and Montenegro, Gorcevic identified opportunities for collaboration in education, tourism, maritime affairs, and other sectors. Both Mediterranean countries share similarities, and she advocated for improved connectivity, such as direct flights, to bolster tourism and economic ties.
Gorcevic anticipated Montenegro's Prime Minister visiting Cyprus during its EU Presidency, underscoring the importance of high-level political and diplomatic engagements. She expressed Montenegro's high expectations from Cyprus' EU Presidency, particularly in closing chapters and initiating a Working Group on the Accession Treaty, which would serve as a guideline for other candidate countries.
In conclusion, Gorcevic congratulated the Cyprus Government on its successful start to the EU Presidency and expressed Montenegro's commitment to working diligently towards closing a significant number of chapters by June's end, marking a crucial step in Montenegro's EU journey.