Blanar in Montenegro: EU Won't Be Complete without Western Balkans

Podgorica, 11 February (TASR-correspondent) - Without the Western Balkans countries, the European Union won't be complete, said Slovak Foreign Minister Juraj Blanar (Smer-SD) during his visit to Montenegro on Wednesday, reiterating his strong support for this Balkan country on its path to EU membership, and he repeated in this context that Slovakia is prepared to provide its expertise and experience if necessary, TASR has learnt. At a press conference following talks with Montenegrin Vice-premier and Foreign Minister Ervin Ibrahimovic, Blanar stated that Slovakia rejects the European Union's double standards in its approach to the countries of the Western Balkans and of the Eastern Partnership, which includes Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia. "It's very important that at least one country from the Western Balkans becomes an EU-member state as soon as possible. This would send out a positive signal that we're serious about membership and that there's a real chance of joining the EU," said Slovakia's chief diplomat, adding that Montenegro is the furthest along in the accession process and could join the EU in 2028, the goal that it has set itself. Blanar also urged Montenegrin citizens to be more optimistic about their country's progress in the accession process. According to him, there's a certain level of scepticism, but he himself believes that Montenegro is on the right track. He pointed out that Slovakia also recognises the enormous efforts of Montenegrin political parties to unite on the issue of EU integration. At the press conference, Ibrahimovic praised Slovakia's support for the accession of the entire Western Balkans to the EU. According to him, the most challenging issue for Montenegro in this regard is the rule of law. The politicians also discussed several foreign policy issues. The Slovak foreign minister praised his Montenegrin counterpart for his constructive approach, saying that they agreed that the war in Ukraine can only be ended through diplomatic efforts. In addition, they discussed the so-called Board of Peace formed in connection with the Gaza Strip, which, according to Blanar, could help to resolve the conflict there. In the morning, the Slovak foreign minister also held talks with Montenegrin President Jakov Milatovic. Later, he's set to meet Prime Minister Milojko Spajic and Slovak compatriots in Montenegro. am/df