Montenegro's President Milatović Urges EU Engagement in Balkans
In his first interview with France 24, Montenegro's President Jakov Milatović expressed his strong desire for a more engaged Europe in the Western Balkans. As one of the frontrunners to join the European Union and eurozone, Montenegro is keenly aware that timely EU involvement is crucial for regional stability.
Milatović emphasizes that the EU's enlargement was always an investment in both the regions where it expanded and Europe as a whole. He believes this principle should be applied to the Western Balkans, warning that if Europe doesn't grasp this opportunity, other powers may seek to capitalize on the region's instability.
The Montenegrin president is seeking technical assistance from the EU to strengthen his country's institutions, particularly in countering hybrid threats and disinformation. He also stresses the need for media literacy programs, especially among young people, as well as social cohesion initiatives.
Milatović points out that Montenegro has made significant strides towards EU membership, having opened all negotiating chapters and fully aligning its foreign and security policy with the EU's. The country is also a member of NATO, which Milatović sees as crucial in the current geopolitical landscape. Moreover, Montenegro has unilaterally adopted the euro and aims to meet the necessary criteria for eurozone membership.
However, organized crime remains a significant obstacle on Montenegro's path to EU accession, according to Milatović. He credits French authorities, Europol, and Interpol with dismantling an encrypted communication network between organized crime groups, which has helped his country's prosecutorial system bring perpetrators to justice.
Milatović emphasizes that as president, he was elected on a promise of zero tolerance for corruption and organized crime. The Montenegrin leader believes that EU engagement is essential for helping his country overcome these challenges and achieve its goal of joining the European family.
In his first interview with France 24, Montenegro's President Jakov Milatović expressed his strong desire for a more engaged Europe in the Western Balkans. As one of the frontrunners to join the European Union and eurozone, Montenegro is keenly aware that timely EU involvement is crucial for regional stability.
Milatović emphasizes that the EU's enlargement was always an investment in both the regions where it expanded and Europe as a whole. He believes this principle should be applied to the Western Balkans, warning that if Europe doesn't grasp this opportunity, other powers may seek to capitalize on the region's instability.
The Montenegrin president is seeking technical assistance from the EU to strengthen his country's institutions, particularly in countering hybrid threats and disinformation. He also stresses the need for media literacy programs, especially among young people, as well as social cohesion initiatives.
Milatović points out that Montenegro has made significant strides towards EU membership, having opened all negotiating chapters and fully aligning its foreign and security policy with the EU's. The country is also a member of NATO, which Milatović sees as crucial in the current geopolitical landscape. Moreover, Montenegro has unilaterally adopted the euro and aims to meet the necessary criteria for eurozone membership.
However, organized crime remains a significant obstacle on Montenegro's path to EU accession, according to Milatović. He credits French authorities, Europol, and Interpol with dismantling an encrypted communication network between organized crime groups, which has helped his country's prosecutorial system bring perpetrators to justice.
Milatović emphasizes that as president, he was elected on a promise of zero tolerance for corruption and organized crime. The Montenegrin leader believes that EU engagement is essential for helping his country overcome these challenges and achieve its goal of joining the European family.
I think it's dope how Montenegro is pushing for more EU involvement in the Western Balkans 
️. They're already doin' some awesome stuff to align with EU policies, like NATO membership 
. But, organized crime is still a major thing they gotta tackle 
. Maybe EU engagement can help 'em strengthen their institutions and countering hybrid threats? 
I'd love to see some media literacy programs for young folks too 
. And, it's cool how President Milatović is keepin' his promise of zero tolerance for corruption 
. Maybe with EU help, Montenegro can finally join the Eurozone 
and be all grown up 
.
. Like, really? The EU's gotta step in and fix everything in the Western Balkans? It sounds like Montenegro's just trying to get Europe to bail them out 
. I mean, come on, they've got all these EU chapters open and aligned with foreign policy... how hard is it to do that stuff themselves? And yeah, organized crime is a problem, but can't Montenegro figure that out without some fancy EU tech assistance? 
this Milatović dude is like super passionate about Montenegro's EU future! I get it, he's trying to convince us that Europe should step up their game in the Balkans... but honestly, can't we just chill for a sec? Like, don't get me wrong, stability and all that jazz, but sometimes I feel like people are more worried about being part of the "in crowd" than actually figuring out what's best for the region 
Montenegro's trying to fight this, but it feels like they're fighting an uphill battle. And then there's all this EU stuff that's supposed to help... but at what cost? 
! He's got some solid points about how EU enlargement has been a win-win for both Europe and the regions where they expanded. It's also pretty cool that he's all about strengthening institutions, media literacy, and social cohesion – those are some major key areas to tackle when it comes to building stability in the region 
. He's got the right vibe about EU engagement being key to help his country tackle corruption and join the European family – fingers crossed they can make it happen! 
. It's also awesome to see him highlighting the importance of strengthening institutions, especially when it comes to countering hybrid threats and disinformation 
. I hope the EU can provide them with more technical assistance to tackle these issues 
but for real, it's crazy how much work they need to do to get there. My friend from history class told me that the Western Balkans have been through so much in the past, it's no wonder they want stability. We're just trying to study for our exams and make sure our school doesn't get taken over by any shady characters... I guess it's good that Montenegro has a president who's all about tackling corruption 
. He's trying to navigate his country through a complex web of corruption, organized crime, and EU accession all at once 
. I think it's awesome that he's acknowledging the importance of media literacy programs and social cohesion initiatives - those are some crucial steps towards building a stronger, more resilient community 
. And kudos to him for being upfront about the challenges they're facing, even when it's not easy to talk about 
. It's clear that he's committed to making Montenegro a better place, and I'm rooting for him from afar 
.
. Like, why does Montenegro need some fancy EU engagement just because it's a 'frontrunner' to join? It sounds like just an excuse for Europe to stick its nose in and control the region 
It's like, you can't just waltz into the EU without addressing these issues first. 