Zenović: Enlargement is not a choice between stability and integration, but a path towards stability through integration
Zenović at the forum, Photo: MEP
For Montenegro, accession is not just a technical process – it is a state project that combines ambition with credibility, speed with standards, and politics with the rule of law. Enlargement is not a choice between stability and integration, but a path to stability through integration, said the chief negotiator with the European Union (EU), Predrag Zenović.
As announced by the Ministry of European Affairs (MEP), Zenović participated in the prestigious 4th Delphi Economic Forum in Brussels as a panelist in the session “Enlarging the Union: Regaining Momentum”.
“In addition to Zenović, the panel included speakers from the European Commission’s Director-General for Enlargement and Eastern Neighbourhood Policy, Gert-Jan Koopman, the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Albania, Elisa Spiropali, the Minister for European Integration of the Republic of Serbia, Nemanja Starović, the National Security Advisor to the Prime Minister of the Slovak Republic, Miroslav Lajčák, and the Director-General of ELIAMEP from Greece, Elena Lazarou,” the statement said.
photo: MEP
The MEPs said that this year’s forum brought together leading European and international decision-makers and experts who discussed key challenges in European policy, foreign and security strategy, energy transition, economic growth and industrial resilience.
“The rich program discussed topics such as European foreign policy in the context of global conflicts, energy security, trade and demographic challenges, and the new dynamics of the European Union enlargement process. In his presentation, the chief negotiator emphasized that the enlargement of the European Union is both a geopolitical and geoeconomic necessity, but also a key instrument for the transformation of the European continent. He pointed out that Montenegro is entering the final phase of the accession process with the clear goal of being ready for membership by 2028,” the statement said.
“For Montenegro, accession is not just a technical process – it is a state project that combines ambition with credibility, speed with standards, and politics with the rule of law. Enlargement is not a choice between stability and integration, but a path to stability through integration,” said Zenović.
photo: MEP
He said that enlargement is crucial for strengthening the geopolitical and geoeconomic position of the European Union, as it contributes to the collective security, stability and resilience of the continent.
“He stressed that merit-based enlargement remains the best way for the European order of peace, progress and the rule of law to transform candidate countries and strengthen trust in a process that rewards results and credible reforms, adding that Montenegro is determined to complete negotiations and prepare for membership by 2028,” it states.
The ministry added that Zenović’s participation in the forum further confirms our country’s active and recognizable role in European debates on the future of the Union, as well as the commitment of the Government of Montenegro to bring the country into the final phase of European integration and make it ready for membership by 2028.
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