Get ready for 2025

Marija Jovicevic of Podgorica daily Pobjeda asked some questions. I answered: 

1. Montenegro entered NATO one year ago. Do You think that we, in Western Balkans, live in safer region?

A: I think Montenegro’s NATO accession was an important step in the right direction that gave encouragement to others in the region. It signified that the doors of the Alliance and the EU are not closed.

2. Do You think that Montenegro and Western Balkan are visible for the US administration? What do we need to do to be more visible?

A: They are visible to the Vice President, which I think is sufficient. Frankly, I worry that President Trump might be tempted to upset the applecart and sow confusion in the Balkans, which would be a bad idea.

3. People in Montenegro are slowly losing patient that we will enter European union soon. In that regard, European Commission announced that Albania and Macedonia can open negotiations by the end of next year. Is this a clear message that enlargement policy is on hold?

A: No. I think it is a clear signal that enlargement is progressing, albeit at a slower pace than some might like. The right strategy is to do the necessary political and economic reforms as well as meet all the requirements of the acquis. Those who fully qualify by 2025 are doing the right thing.

4. Can we expect better relations with Russia? Do You think that danger from Moscow is over after everthing they tried to do on election day on 2016?

A: The danger is not over. Moscow still supports anti-constitutional, anti-NATO political forces in Montenegro. Better relations with Russia will develop once a pro-EU, pro-NATO opposition emerge that can hope to govern. Ending Putin’s hopes for destabilizing Montenegro is the best route to a good relationship with Moscow.

5. How do you see relations between USA and EU?

A: They are bad, both because of the US tariffs (and EU retaliation) and because of President Trump’s hostility to the EU. Brussels will need to be patient while the Americans find a way back to sanity.