The government of Montenegro has clearly stated its commitment to work towards reforms that will bring it into the European Union, said the German Minister of Foreign Affairs, Annalena Baerbock, at a press conference with her Montenegrin counterpart Filip Ivanović on Monday in Podgorica.

“The government is doing an excellent job in addressing the open issues in the field of justice. Implementing reforms requires leadership skills, and there is now only one way for the government, which is the path to the EU. The interim conditions in Chapters 23 and 24 must be met by the summer of this year,” said Baerbock.

She emphasized that EU enlargement is a necessity, especially after Russia’s aggression against Ukraine.

“In the process of EU accession, Montenegro has set itself very ambitious goals. But side by side, we are moving towards the European Union,” said Baerbock.

Speaking about Russian influences in the region, Baerbock said that there are those who want to weaken democratic states.

“One of the important pillars in difficult times is strengthening legal security. Our security lies in NATO and EU membership, and it is important for us that Montenegro has both of these assurances. We are working intensively and strengthening that path,” said Baerbock.

Montenegro’s Foreign Minister Filip Ivanović expressed strong commitment towards European integration.

“We believe that the enlargement process is real and achievable, and for this reason, we have decided to put all our capacities in the service of Montenegro’s European integration. This is our main goal,” said Minister Ivanović.

Ivanović emphasized that the visit of the German minister comes at a time of “major reforms” in Montenegro on its European path.