Every step towards European standards strengthens Montenegro and brings it closer to the community of states that share the values of democracy and the rule of law, it was emphasised today at the European Café, organised by the Centre for Civic Education (CCE), whose guest was Dr Christian Steiner, the Ambassador of Austria to Montenegro.
In the conversation, moderated by Zvezdana Kovač, Director for Strategy and Communications at the CCE, the ambassador reflected on some of the most challenging negotiating chapters.
“Chapters 23 and 24 are a key test of maturity for every candidate, including Montenegro, because through reforms in the area of the rule of law, the judiciary, the fight against corruption and the protection of fundamental rights, the credibility of a state that wants to become a member of the Union is built,” he stated.
Steiner stressed that this is not a technical issue, but a fundamental commitment to a society based on justice, transparency and European values, and that the will of the authorities and citizens to change society is important.
“The second part is the will of the European Union to accept a new Member State”, Steiner explained, noting that Montenegro has all the preconditions to progress more rapidly both in the process of European integration and in the development of sustainable, year-round tourism based on its rich culture, history and natural resources.
Steiner pointed out that the current geopolitical context in Europe has brought a new understanding of the importance of enlargement, which Montenegro should use as its opportunity, but also clearly reminded that the criteria remain unchanged regarding the implementation of the necessary reforms.
“Today’s European Café was an excellent experience. We were able to hear many interesting things from the Ambassador of Austria. It was a pleasure to attend, especially as a student of the Faculty of Political Science”, shared her impressions Sara Raičević, a student.
“This was a great opportunity for young people to connect in a pleasant, informal atmosphere, while considering important issues for the strategic development of Montenegro”, said Elena Miletić from the Montenegrin Organisation for Youth Health.
”We are grateful for the opportunity to ask the ambassador questions about the EU integration process, consider key challenges, and hear his perspective on the steps the country can take to accelerate progress and move closer to membership in the European Union,” stated student Lazar Radević.
The European Café was organised within the project EU Compass for Youth, implemented by the CCE with the support of the Ministry of European Affairs, with the aim of bringing the decision-making process in the field of European integration closer to young people.
Itana Gogić, Programme Associate