The current situation in the Western Balkans is a consequence of two circumstances – the halted process of enlargement and the disruption of the East-West relationship, said President Milo Đukanović during a meeting with members of the European Council on Foreign Relations.
“In that context, he pointed out the need for a more decisive and clear incentive for the countries of the Western Balkans for EU integration, and more decisive and thoughtful protection of the region from malignant influence of third parties, which is not only in the interest of the Western Balkans, but also in Europe.”
The president also expressed concern that “with the revival of retrograde policies, the Western Balkans have been more about stability than integration in recent months.”
“Nevertheless, he expressed Montenegro's readiness to fight for the values it believes in, noting that Montenegro has achieved all its strategic achievements thanks to the functionality of the state, which is now in question and must be addressed in accordance with public expectations”, reads the statement.
The members of the Council, current and former political officials, MEPs and prominent figures in the socio-political life of Europe, are focused on international foreign relations and the countries of Southeast Europe.