Gorčević: Montenegro’s European Path Has Not Slowed Down — Chapters 18 and 19 to Close by End of September

Montenegro’s Minister of European Affairs, Maida Gorčević, stated that there is no political or technical blockade on the country’s European path and that she expects negotiating chapters 18 (Statistics) and 19 (Social Policy and Employment) to be closed by the end of September, she said on TVCG’s Dnevnik 2.

She stressed that the Government has done almost all the work to close the remaining chapters by the end of the year and believes several intergovernmental conferences will be held.

Chapters 18 and 19 are fully ready for closure and have passed internal procedures at the European Commission and in almost all member states; only the procedure in the Dutch parliament is missing.

Gorčević denied claims that some member states are blocking Montenegro’s progress, mentioning in particular Estonia and Lithuania — during recent visits she received support not only for closing the chapters but also for finalising the Accession Treaty.

She warned against disinformation in the final phase of the process, which could act as hybrid activity. Montenegro has already sent nine chapters to the European Commission, while six more will be sent in the next two weeks.

Speaking about the rule of law, Gorčević said this year’s report showed great progress and strengthened judicial independence, but the work is not done. She also commented on the “Euro model” for raising wages and pensions: it is not just about wage increases, but about a better standard for citizens, keeping young people in the country and creating a good economic environment.

Source: RTCG