URGENT UPDATE: Tensions rise as Serbia’s Foreign Minister Marko Đurić responds to comments from Montenegro’s Prime Minister Milojko Spajić, emphasizing that regional cooperation is essential for European Union (EU) accession. This situation unfolds as EU expansion discussions heat up, with Spajić claiming Montenegro will join the EU by 2028.
In a post on the social media platform X, Đurić stated that Spajić’s remarks only reinforce President Aleksandar Vučić’s assertion that EU enlargement is contingent on strengthening equal cooperation across the entire region. “The willingness of some politicians to renounce their connections will not hasten anyone’s journey to the EU,” Đurić declared, highlighting the importance of mutual support over competition.
Đurić’s comments come in light of Spajić’s ambitious timeline for Montenegro’s EU membership, which he shared last night, urging other regional candidates to speed up their processes. “We will be waiting for you in the EU by 2028 and we support your efforts to accelerate the accession of other regional candidates,” Spajić wrote.
In his response, Đurić stressed that while ambition is commendable, it is crucial for countries in the region to advocate for each other rather than against. “We are at our best when we support one another, not when we compare ourselves,” he emphasized. He pointed out that each country has its own pace and challenges, and that Brussels and member states determine the timeline for EU integration.
“Being optimistic and ambitious is important, but we first need to take significant steps before making bold claims,” Đurić concluded, advocating for a united front among Western Balkan nations.
As the conversation about EU expansion intensifies, the impact on regional dynamics and international relations remains a critical point of interest. The EU’s stance on these matters continues to evolve, and with both Đurić and Spajić making headlines, the spotlight is firmly on the future cooperation and integration of the Western Balkans.
This developing story highlights the urgency of regional unity and the complex interplay between national ambitions and collective progress towards EU membership. Stay tuned for further updates as this situation unfolds.
