Montenegro celebrated one of the most important dates in its modern history, the day when the Montenegrins restored independence in a peaceful and democratic way. “Over the past 16 years, significant steps have been taken both in the country and internationally. Montenegro is a fully-fledged member of NATO and many other international and regional organizations and initiatives, and it is trying to speed up the reforms to become the next EU member state,” the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for European Affairs, Jovana Marovic told Albanian Daily News in an exclusive interview.  

Ms. Marovic described the joyful atmosphere in Montenegro on May 21-22 as the citizens celebrated the Independence Day with various happenings and events, and concerts were organized in several Montenegrin cities, marked by a very festive spirit.   

According to the Deputy Premier, the messages delivered by Prime Minister Dritan Abazovic to the citizens on that occasion primarily referred to the need for unity, and he pointed out that Montenegrins’ Prime must be for the country to follow the European path, aimed at making the life of each of its citizens secure and prosperous.

Ms. Marovic, who is also Minister for European Affairs, stressed that one of the main objectives of the new government is the implementation of comprehensive reforms in the rule of law area, through achieving measurable results in the field of human rights and fight against corruption and organized crime.  She announced that the European Affairs Ministry is planning to reorganize the negotiating structure for the accession talks with the EU, to make it optimal and efficient.

In a comment on the Russian aggression against Ukraine the Deputy PM said Montenegro continues to maintain full compliance with the EU's Common Foreign and Security Policy, and accordingly a new package of sanctions was adopted against Russia. “This is not only a part of our obligations on the European path, but, above all, our moral duty to condemn every type of aggression that takes place anywhere in the world,” said Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of European Affairs Jovana Marovic in the following interview:        

Albanian Daily News: In the first place, congratulations on the anniversary of the Independence Day of Montenegro Ms. Deputy Prime Minister, and ADN takes this opportunity to kindly ask you on the significance of this historical event for your country and people? How did the people commemorate this event given also the fact that there is a better situation regarding the pandemic and the weather has been like summer?

Montenegro’s Deputy PM Jovana Marovic: Thank you for the nice congratulations. It is certainly one of the most important dates in our modern history, the day when we restored independence in a peaceful and democratic way. Over the past 16 years, significant steps have been taken both in the country and internationally. Montenegro is a fully-fledged member of NATO and many other international and regional organizations and initiatives, and it is trying to speed up the reforms to become the next EU member state.

Our citizens have celebrated the Independence Day with various happenings and events. Concerts were organized in several Montenegrin cities, marked by a very festive atmosphere.

- This anniversary was somewhat different for many reasons, but on top of all there is a new government headed by Mr. Dritan Abazovic. Which are the wishes and pledges that the new government has extended to the entire Montenegrin people for whom it is an opportunity to look back to the historical course leading to this Day with 1878 and 2006 as milestones of unity and freedom, and look forward to the future? 

- Messages that the Prime Minister, Mr. Abazovic, delivered to the citizens primarily refer to the need for unity. He pointed out that our Prime country must follow the European path, aimed at making the life of each of its citizens secure and prosperous. With the EU membership, Montenegro will complete one and begin a new chapter, while it is, by its commitment and values, already part of the European family.

- In the meantime, Ms. Marovic, Montenegro marked its independence anniversary as a NATO member while the country is eyeing EU membership. Which are some key elements to be followed by the new government regarding the promotion of the Euro Atlantic spirit of the country to make possible full accession to the Union?

- One of the key steps in that direction is the implementation of comprehensive reforms in the rule of law area, through achieving measurable results in the field of human rights and fight against corruption and organized crime.

The European Affairs Ministry is planning to reorganize the negotiating structure for the accession talks with the EU, to make it optimal and efficient. Our citizens expect the reforms we are implementing to yield the results and lead the country to the European standards and a better quality of life.

- As a follow up, Ms. Deputy PM, the Russian invasion of Ukraine has caused tragic losses in people and catastrophic destruction. In addition, the repercussions of this war are also being felt in Europe, the Western Balkans, your country and beyond. You celebrated independence against this background when an independent country is attacked in the 21st century. How do the Montenegrin people feel about the plight of Ukrainian people and seeing what is happening to them and their country under attack how much sacred and dear and untouchable independence becomes to all segments of Montenegro's society?  

- Montenegro continues to maintain full compliance with the EU's Common Foreign and Security Policy, accordingly, a new package of sanctions was adopted against Russia. This is not only a part of our obligations on the European path, but, above all, our moral duty to condemn every type of aggression that takes place anywhere in the world. The Government of Montenegro, but also our citizens have shown exceptional solidarity with the citizens of Ukraine over the last few months, providing shelter to those who managed to escape the war and assistance to those who remained in Ukraine.     

-Two neighboring countries, Albania and Kosovo, and their Albanian peoples, extended wishes to your country on this occasion. Albania said it looks forward to further enhancing the ‘dynamic bilateral relations’ while Kosovo expressed its ‘gladness to have you as a neighbor looking forward to keep strengthening the bond’. How would you, Ms. Deputy PM, comment on the spirit of these messages?

- I am very pleased with the sincere and friendly messages of our neighbors. Montenegro is well known for its good neighborly relations with all WB states. We will continue to do the same in the coming period as well, especially bearing in mind that, as the country that has advanced the most within the European Integration Process, we feel the readiness and obligation to help our neighbors to accelerate their European path.

- The commemoration of such historical milestones, as it is the case with Montenegro on May 21, is a moment of reflection for the present and the future not only of your country, but of the entire Western Balkan region. Considering ‘independence and sovereignty’ as sacred, especially at these turbulent times, what is the message that official Podgorica gives to its neighboring people and countries? 

- The Western Balkans’ citizens deserve to live better, and our governments must do their best to ensure it. The rule of law, good neighborly relations, open dialogue are the only way forward and we must follow it.