Đurović: Montenegro has a historic opportunity to turn a generational aspiration for EU membership into reality by 2028

After more than two decades on its European path, Montenegro has a historic opportunity to turn a generational aspiration for membership in the European Union into reality by 2028 - Professor Gordana Đurović, former Minister of European Integration, told the Radio Television of Montenegro.

She warned that this opportunity must not be squandered because of political divisions. As a possible solution, she proposed the establishment of a joint body comprising representatives of both the ruling majority and the opposition. She also believes that mediation by the European Commission could help secure the necessary compromise by the autumn.

Professor Đurović assessed that Montenegro's membership in the European Union is now more realistic than ever before, while reminding that the doors to the EU are not open unconditionally.

The rule of law, constitutional amendments, and appointments to the judiciary and other key institutions remain the fundamental prerequisites.

- The political decision ultimately lies with Brussels, but at this moment the most important developments are those taking place in Montenegro. Alongside the technical part of the negotiations, where progress has been quite good, there is also the political framework, which requires political dialogue and the adoption of key decisions in our Parliament, including voting on constitutional amendments and making elections and appointments - Đurović said.

According to Đurović, the issue of constitutional amendments, on which there is still no political agreement, should be resolved by the end of July.

- July is the month when these constitutional amendments should be completed, although it would not surprise me if the process were delayed by a few months. In any case, September is already the final deadline. There is a mechanism for extraordinary parliamentary sessions, and this is simply a matter of national interest. I believe it is necessary to establish some form of joint body between the governing coalition and the opposition in order to reach a mutually acceptable solution that would allow Parliament to function at full capacity and ensure that European obligations are fulfilled - Đurović emphasized.

She warned that Montenegro must not allow divisions that are not essential to the country's future to derail its progress at the very end of the process.

- A compromise must be found; all sides must sit down together. Perhaps we need the European Commission to facilitate this process, but in any case it must be resolved by the autumn - Đurović stressed.

A political agreement is also important because of European funding. She pointed out that Montenegro has so far drawn approximately €90 million from the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans and that there is a possibility of securing additional funds that Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina have not utilized.

- In addition to its allocated €383 million, Montenegro has the opportunity to receive even more. However, we ourselves have not yet completed everything we were required to do - Đurović underlined.

She concluded that Montenegro is entering a highly challenging but also encouraging period, as these additional funds represent significant financial support on top of the existing pre-accession assistance.