Commissioner Marta KOS
Address in the Parliament of Montenegro
16 January 2025
Dear President Mandić,
Honorable members,
Dear President of Montenegro, Prime Minister,
Dear leaders of the judiciary and prosecution,
This year began with a great tragedy in Cetinje. My sincere condolences go out to the families and friends of the victims, and I wish the injured a quick recovery. Tomorrow, I will go to Cetinje to pay my respects.
We are living in a time of hope and opportunity. This is a historic moment that brings us back to the core of the European idea. In 1979, Simone Veil, the first female president of the European Parliament, spoke about the challenges of peace, freedom, and prosperity that could only be met through the European dimension.
Today, that is more relevant than ever in a world where power is abused, and military solutions prevail, as seen in Ukraine. Peace, freedom, and prosperity depend on the unity of all Europeans.
Montenegro has a historic opportunity to become the next member of the European Union. Together with my team, I will commit to advancing the accession negotiations as quickly as possible.
I am convinced that the dream of a united Europe is shared by the people of Montenegro. Enlargement can be successful, and Montenegro is a success story. You are fully aligned with the common foreign and security policy of Europe.
It is my responsibility to be the best advocate for future EU members. If you deliver, I will match your efforts.
Montenegro is a success story. Thanks to you, my tenure as Commissioner for Enlargement started with the closing of three chapters.
This is your achievement - the result of the government, parliamentarians, civil servants, and the engaged society.
On my way here, I told my team that once Montenegro closes all chapters, I will climb one of your highest peaks, Bobotov Kuk. But before we conquer Bobotov Kuk, we must climb another mountain together - the path to EU membership is steep and challenging.
I hope to see a shared vision and teamwork here. The parliament must be a place of compromise. Work together on the proposed reforms and legislative initiatives of the European agenda.
Take inspiration from Slovenia and Croatia, where political unity accelerated the accession processes.
Explain the benefits of stronger institutions, better infrastructure, and more opportunities for young people. When every citizen feels part of this project, Montenegros path to Europe will be unstoppable.
Help me do the same inside the EU. Explain why a bigger Union is also a stronger Union.
Lets work together to realize the dream of a united Europe. Montenegro can be an example, inspiration for the region, and the fulfillment of its citizens aspirations.