Sattler calls on Parliament to support key reforms: Montenegro's European future depends on these decisions

Montenegro has a genuine opportunity to conclude its accession negotiations with the European Union in the near future and become its next member state, as confirmed by European Union leaders at the Summit in Tivat - said the European Union Ambassador, Johan Sattler, in a video message ahead of the Parliament's key decisions related to the country's EU accession process.

According to him, realizing this opportunity depends primarily on Parliament's ability to secure a two-thirds majority before the summer recess for the key decisions required to advance the accession process.

- These include constitutional amendments related to European integration, the appointment of the remaining judges of the Constitutional Court, the appointment of members of the Judicial Council, and the adoption of the remaining electoral legislation - Sattler said.

He stressed that Montenegro is at a decisive moment on its European path and therefore has an important message for both citizens and their political representatives.

- These are not routine votes. These are crucial decisions that will determine whether Montenegro can complete its European journey while the current historic opportunity still exists. These changes are about building strong and independent institutions capable of protecting the rights and interests of citizens at the same level as those across the rest of Europe - Sattler said.

He called on all pro-European political forces, across the political spectrum, to support these decisions in Parliament.

- Supporting these reforms is not a matter of party interest. It is a matter of demonstrating a genuine commitment to Montenegro's European future through actions, not just words. Montenegro's accession to the European Union has always been a national project, built over the past fourteen years through the contributions of numerous political actors. To successfully bring this project to completion, the same sense of shared responsibility is now required - Sattler stated.

At the same time, he emphasized that this is also a moment for Montenegro to demonstrate resilience.

- The country must remain focused on its strategic objective and resist external influences that seek to slow down or halt its European path. The stakes are clear: this is not only about the pace of accession to the European Union, but also about the quality of life of Montenegro's citizens. The reforms before Parliament mean stronger institutions, a more independent judiciary, fairer elections, and a more stable democratic system, conditions that directly contribute to prosperity and strengthen citizens' trust in public institutions - Sattler said.

He added that these reforms reflect the best European practices and provide solid guarantees for the values on which the European Union's democratic standards are founded.

- Parliamentary elections will come, and political competition will continue. But in the weeks ahead, Montenegro has a different responsibility - to act together in the interest of the state. The time to decide is now. The responsibility is shared. And so will be the success - Sattler concluded.