Sattler: Montenegro must not risk turning a sure thing into a lost opportunity, opposition should keep the bigger picture in mind, while parliamentary majority should reach out

Montenegro must not risk turning a sure thing into a lost opportunity, especially at this critical moment - said Ambassador of the European Union to Montenegro, Johann Sattler, ahead of upcoming decisions on the European agenda in the Parliament of Montenegro.

As he pointed out, excellent news came from the European Union last night.

- Member states once again stood united behind Montenegro and approved the closure of three more negotiating chapters. The goal is finally within reach. But the next steps are crucial if we are to reach it. They require determination, responsibility and a shared commitment from all pro-European political actors in the country. Now is the time for unity and results - Sattler said.

He stressed that the remaining tasks were clear: adopting the proposed constitutional amendments, appointing the outstanding members of the Judicial Council and establishing the Central Election Commission.

- This is not about pleasing Brussels or anyone else outside Montenegro. It is about ensuring that Montenegro meets the highest European standards of the rule of law. And when it comes to the proposed integrity vetting mechanism, rest assured of one thing: it is a sound proposal and reflects a well-established European standard. I therefore call on all political actors, both the government and the opposition, to seize this opportunity for constructive dialogue and compromise in the interests of the country and its citizens - Sattler said.

He urged the opposition to keep the bigger picture in mind.

- Many of you were pioneers of Montenegro’s European integration and worked for years to achieve this goal. Your contribution remains crucial as the country approaches the final stages of its accession negotiations - Sattler said.

He called on the parliamentary majority to make an additional effort and reach out to the opposition.

- An inclusive approach, respect for democratic debate and a willingness to find common ground will turn our shared European aspirations into tangible progress. And my message to both sides is this: keep working together. Let us build on the progress achieved so far and seize this historic opportunity - the EU Delegation Ambassador stressed.

He said he believed that Montenegro’s political leaders would find the solutions needed to move forward, in the interests of the country’s citizens and its European future.

- And finally, to borrow the words of Montenegro’s football fans, and I am a great football fan myself: Forward, Montenegro! It is time - Sattler concluded.