1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:03,000 Brussels Live Transcribed and translated by AI 2 00:00:10,067 --> 00:00:13,744 Bear with us a second. Oh, amazing. Sorry. 3 00:00:14,027 --> 00:00:17,575 Afternoon, everyone, and welcome to this press conference following today's EU 4 00:00:17,644 --> 00:00:21,612 Montenegro intergovernmental conference. We're joined by Ireland's Minister of State 5 00:00:21,647 --> 00:00:25,393 for European Affairs, Thomas Byrne, and the Prime Minister of Montenegro, Milojko 6 00:00:25,457 --> 00:00:27,587 Spajić. I'll first give the floor to Minister Byrne. 7 00:00:28,247 --> 00:00:30,128 Thanks very much, and good afternoon, everybody. 8 00:00:30,167 --> 00:00:35,987 Good afternoon, Prime Minister. Today, Montenegro took another significant step on 9 00:00:36,141 --> 00:00:41,621 its EU path. It was a great pleasure to chair the 30th accession conference for 10 00:00:41,671 --> 00:00:46,211 Montenegro, and to be joined by Prime Minister Spajić, and by the Director General 11 00:00:46,270 --> 00:00:52,412 for Enlargement, DG Koopman. The momentum of Montenegro toward EU membership is 12 00:00:52,469 --> 00:00:57,669 significant, and very encouraging. The Council today confirmed that Montenegro is 13 00:00:57,740 --> 00:01:03,318 ready to close two additional negotiating chapters, namely Chapter 1 on free 14 00:01:03,397 --> 00:01:08,913 movement of goods, and Chapter 12 on food safety, veterinary, and phytosanitary 15 00:01:09,015 --> 00:01:16,040 policy. Montenegro has now closed 23 negotiating chapters, meaning two-thirds of the 16 00:01:16,120 --> 00:01:21,878 negotiating chapters required. So the goal of concluding technical negotiations 17 00:01:21,947 --> 00:01:29,682 during the Irish presidency is in sight. Nobody wants or indeed expects shortcuts in 18 00:01:29,777 --> 00:01:36,475 the process. But shortcomings in this process are not what we want or expect either. 19 00:01:36,587 --> 00:01:41,702 The Irish presidency remains determined to facilitate Montenegro's goal of closing 20 00:01:41,770 --> 00:01:46,714 all chapters by the end of the year, and we will work closely with Montenegro with 21 00:01:46,756 --> 00:01:51,837 European Commission, and indeed with fellow member states, to facilitate this goal. 22 00:01:52,007 --> 00:01:57,172 We cannot do it without the member states, and I'm very grateful for all of their 23 00:01:57,239 --> 00:02:01,532 work. This intergovernmental conference demonstrates that Montenegro's accession 24 00:02:01,600 --> 00:02:05,530 process is advancing at an impressive pace. 25 00:02:05,627 --> 00:02:10,082 This extraordinary momentum was reflected in the 2026 enlargement report, which the 26 00:02:10,147 --> 00:02:15,462 Commission published this week. And I want to thank Commissioner Martha Kos for her 27 00:02:15,555 --> 00:02:20,562 leadership in this regard. The enlargement report highlighted the significant number 28 00:02:20,611 --> 00:02:25,667 of reforms implemented by Montenegro over the past year, while also identifying the 29 00:02:25,727 --> 00:02:30,914 remaining steps needed to further align national legislation with the key of the 30 00:02:31,000 --> 00:02:36,519 European Union. Crucially, the report confirms that Montenegro has met all closing 31 00:02:36,587 --> 00:02:42,202 benchmarks to conclude technical negotiations under the Irish presidency. 32 00:02:42,287 --> 00:02:46,547 Montenegro's goal of closing all chapters is achievable during our presidency. 33 00:02:47,807 --> 00:02:52,517 The Irish presidency encourages Montenegro to maintain the momentum and to implement 34 00:02:52,565 --> 00:02:57,460 the outstanding measures necessary to become the next member of the European Union. 35 00:02:57,527 --> 00:03:02,084 As we witnessed at the Berlin process, leaders summit in Montenegro two weeks ago, 36 00:03:02,147 --> 00:03:06,196 the commitment of Montenegro to the European Union, and crucially to the values of 37 00:03:06,250 --> 00:03:11,460 the European Union, is absolutely clear. The Irish presidency then will spare no 38 00:03:11,503 --> 00:03:16,899 effort in supporting Montenegro on its EU path, with the member states, with the aim 39 00:03:16,944 --> 00:03:20,535 of welcoming Montenegro into our union in 2028. 40 00:03:20,687 --> 00:03:24,707 The future of Montenegro lies in the European Union. 41 00:03:24,827 --> 00:03:31,307 The end of the negotiations is in sight, but for now, the hard work does continue. 42 00:03:31,367 --> 00:03:32,567 Thank you. 43 00:03:33,347 --> 00:03:35,267 Thank you, Minister. Prime Minister, the floor is yours. 44 00:03:36,407 --> 00:03:38,027 Thank you very much, Dear Thomas. 45 00:03:39,527 --> 00:03:45,977 Dear citizens of Montenegro, we are concluding this excellent, great week for both 46 00:03:46,053 --> 00:03:52,835 Podgorica and Brussels. Today we closed two more negotiating chapters, bringing the 47 00:03:52,877 --> 00:03:54,827 total to more than two-thirds of all chapters. 48 00:03:55,607 --> 00:04:00,579 Todays ago, the European Commission presented what I'm convinced will be its final 49 00:04:00,645 --> 00:04:03,580 report on Montenegro as a candidate country. 50 00:04:03,647 --> 00:04:08,513 Together with roadmap for our accession, as part of the enlargement package, which 51 00:04:08,567 --> 00:04:14,987 comes after full 15 years. Today we closed two more negotiating chapters. 52 00:04:15,107 --> 00:04:20,101 This brings the total number of closed chapters to 23 out of 33. 53 00:04:20,267 --> 00:04:24,920 All member states gave the green light to Chapter 1, free movement of goods, and 54 00:04:25,011 --> 00:04:30,388 Chapter 12, food safety, veterinary, and phytosanitary policies. 55 00:04:30,467 --> 00:04:35,556 Chapter 1 is one of the most important and demanding chapters in the negotiations, 56 00:04:35,627 --> 00:04:41,067 as it's concerns the functioning of the European Union's single market. 57 00:04:41,147 --> 00:04:47,402 As for Chapter 12, its main focus is on food quality and safety controls at all 58 00:04:47,507 --> 00:04:50,861 stages, from production to the final consumer. 59 00:04:50,927 --> 00:04:56,889 I congratulate Montenegro's teams; our institutions and everyone who with the 60 00:04:56,937 --> 00:05:01,344 unwavering support of the European Commission and all the member states has done 61 00:05:01,401 --> 00:05:05,006 everything necessary to achieve this important result. 62 00:05:05,087 --> 00:05:10,889 At the IGC in January, we stated that 2026 would be the most decisive year on 63 00:05:10,962 --> 00:05:16,432 Montenegro's EU path. Now, as the year draws to a close, we are delivering on that 64 00:05:16,497 --> 00:05:20,493 very much commitment. It has not been easy. 65 00:05:20,567 --> 00:05:25,661 Behind every chapter closed and every demanding reform lie tremendous effort, 66 00:05:25,746 --> 00:05:31,877 difficult decisions, responsibility dedication, and strong determination. 67 00:05:31,967 --> 00:05:36,338 And the results are here. Our focus remains unchanged: 68 00:05:36,400 --> 00:05:41,897 the rule of law, independent and accountable institutions, the fight against 69 00:05:41,959 --> 00:05:47,860 organized crime and corruption, improving citizens' living standards, and fostering 70 00:05:47,927 --> 00:05:54,299 good neighborly relations. Our roadmap to accession is not a lengthy in terms of 71 00:05:54,362 --> 00:06:00,137 time, but it is exceptionally demanding. That is why we will continue to work 72 00:06:00,190 --> 00:06:06,712 diligently in the coming weeks to conclude the negotiations by end of this year. 73 00:06:06,887 --> 00:06:13,327 Sign the accession treaty in June 2027, and achieve our historic goal in 2028, 74 00:06:13,457 --> 00:06:19,797 becoming a member of the European Union. This is not merely the ambition of this 75 00:06:19,890 --> 00:06:24,167 government; it is a strategic national goal and a commitment 76 00:06:24,407 --> 00:06:28,795 that must transcend any political term of office. 77 00:06:28,907 --> 00:06:33,881 Today I would also like to thank all member states for their support in the closure 78 00:06:33,957 --> 00:06:39,259 of all the chapters to date. And to send a message, Montenegro is ready for all the 79 00:06:39,318 --> 00:06:42,385 remaining chapters and for the final stage. 80 00:06:42,467 --> 00:06:47,327 We expect our work, the results achieved, and obligations fulfilled to be duly 81 00:06:47,387 --> 00:06:51,311 acknowledged with European political determination. 82 00:06:51,407 --> 00:06:56,435 That is why I look forward to meeting again later this month and the next IGC with 83 00:06:56,507 --> 00:07:01,410 further chapters closed. And then, in December, which I'm convinced will provide the 84 00:07:01,465 --> 00:07:06,359 strongest political confirmation that we have crossed the threshold together beyond 85 00:07:06,431 --> 00:07:11,625 which we will be ready to take the final steps towards our historical goal, EU 86 00:07:11,695 --> 00:07:14,327 enlargement with Montenegro as part of it. 87 00:07:14,387 --> 00:07:15,587 Thank you very much. 88 00:07:16,487 --> 00:07:20,379 Thank you, Prime Minister. I'll now open the floor for questions. 89 00:07:20,447 --> 00:07:21,647 First, the gentleman there. 90 00:07:25,367 --> 00:07:28,025 Thank you very much. Ewan Vianeu is from Television of Montenegro. 91 00:07:28,067 --> 00:07:34,587 Mr. Byrne, we saw the roadmap for Montenegro, the ambitious but realistic, as you 92 00:07:34,667 --> 00:07:40,932 said. Did the Council discuss maybe the target date when Montenegro could join the 93 00:07:41,015 --> 00:07:47,990 European Union? And for Prime Minister Spajić, the signing of the accession treaty, 94 00:07:48,047 --> 00:07:54,187 with Montenegro in June, could coincide with the elections in Montenegro. 95 00:07:54,287 --> 00:07:58,425 So do you think that this government will sign the accession treaty? 96 00:07:58,487 --> 00:07:59,687 Thank you very much. 97 00:08:01,967 --> 00:08:07,707 I think 2028 is very achievable, but my main focus is on the remaining weeks of our 98 00:08:07,769 --> 00:08:13,546 presidency, and our targets to conclude the technical negotiations during that time. 99 00:08:13,607 --> 00:08:17,292 And I think that we can start talking about ifs or buts of the future, but we have 100 00:08:17,350 --> 00:08:21,575 the present now, and we're making really, really significant progress in the 101 00:08:21,654 --> 00:08:25,804 present. I think we've had quite a number of intergovernmental conferences. 102 00:08:25,847 --> 00:08:29,692 We've closed quite a number of chapters that are more to come. 103 00:08:29,747 --> 00:08:34,184 We've had today's intergovernmental conference out of sequence, in order that we can 104 00:08:34,247 --> 00:08:37,112 continue progress and keep the momentum up. 105 00:08:37,307 --> 00:08:41,166 And that's what the presidency is about, is to do that work, to have that finished 106 00:08:41,231 --> 00:08:46,744 during our presidency, and to let the rest of the work then complete next year, on 107 00:08:46,812 --> 00:08:51,657 the accession treaty negotiation and then membership after that. 108 00:08:51,707 --> 00:08:58,082 But we're absolutely focused on the present, and we're delivering in the present as 109 00:08:58,120 --> 00:08:59,320 well. 110 00:09:00,167 --> 00:09:07,225 Exactly. And I think it's it is outstanding that European Commission came out so 111 00:09:07,301 --> 00:09:14,228 clearly stating the roadmap and the exact dates and this is something that we really 112 00:09:14,317 --> 00:09:20,093 are proud of, that this is a sign of political commitment, also on the technical 113 00:09:20,156 --> 00:09:24,825 side of things, as you know, we have submitted all the positions for all the 114 00:09:24,890 --> 00:09:27,833 negotiating chapters already to European Commission. 115 00:09:27,887 --> 00:09:32,452 Most of them are already with the Council, so we are working very hard. 116 00:09:32,507 --> 00:09:36,049 This year is the target that we close all the chapters, as we discussed many times 117 00:09:36,102 --> 00:09:41,190 so far. So this we go one step at a time. And I think now we have to put all of our 118 00:09:41,265 --> 00:09:44,210 focus on closing all the chapters this year. 119 00:09:44,267 --> 00:09:49,665 This is what really matters, and this is where rubber hits the road, where we really 120 00:09:49,727 --> 00:09:55,833 make the substantial difference. And the signing of the contract, agreement, sorry, 121 00:09:55,941 --> 00:09:58,967 is scheduled for June next year, and we hope it happens. 122 00:09:59,027 --> 00:10:04,067 So this is we are fully committed to this, and I'm sure it's achievable. 123 00:10:05,867 --> 00:10:07,427 Okay. Next to Viborg, please. 124 00:10:10,727 --> 00:10:13,787 Thank you. Viborg Vlainić, Croatian Radio Television. 125 00:10:13,847 --> 00:10:19,419 A question for both, for Prime Minister Spajić related to the open issues between 126 00:10:19,482 --> 00:10:24,851 Montenegro and Croatia. Two of eight issues were resolved recently. 127 00:10:25,007 --> 00:10:30,700 Do you expect any further progress on the rest of the issues in the future, in the 128 00:10:30,783 --> 00:10:38,515 closer future? And for Minister Byrne, how does the Irish presidency view those open 129 00:10:38,611 --> 00:10:45,107 issues that Croatia is claiming they are not just bilateral, but that they are tied 130 00:10:45,242 --> 00:10:50,357 to negotiating chapters and that they are basic values? 131 00:10:50,447 --> 00:10:51,647 Thank you. 132 00:10:52,127 --> 00:10:57,395 Thank you very much for the question. We are tirelessly working our teams from 133 00:10:57,435 --> 00:11:01,282 Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Montenegro with a team from Croatia. 134 00:11:01,367 --> 00:11:08,207 We are tirelessly working on solving any potential bilateral issues that we might 135 00:11:08,267 --> 00:11:14,696 have. And obviously, Montenegro is not going to leave any stone unturned until we 136 00:11:14,884 --> 00:11:19,679 find European-style compromise on all the things that are potentially dividing us. 137 00:11:19,727 --> 00:11:24,961 So I think it's a great opportunity that we bring our two countries together in a 138 00:11:25,010 --> 00:11:26,210 European manner. 139 00:11:27,827 --> 00:11:33,876 Yeah, can I just say that I before the IGC, I met the Croatian State Secretary 140 00:11:33,951 --> 00:11:38,890 Andreja Metelko as Gombić, the State Secretary for European Affairs. 141 00:11:38,927 --> 00:11:42,124 We had a very good discussion, which focused on this process. 142 00:11:42,167 --> 00:11:46,376 I'm very grateful for the work of the Croatian government in allowing us to make 143 00:11:46,435 --> 00:11:50,580 such substantial progress here. And there's no doubt there are bilateral issues 144 00:11:50,627 --> 00:11:53,210 there, and there are always bilateral issues. 145 00:11:53,267 --> 00:11:57,998 We had the Marcelos as well, and still have them with neighbors. 146 00:11:58,127 --> 00:12:01,934 So that's normal. That's natural. But I am confident, and I'm meeting the Prime 147 00:12:01,974 --> 00:12:06,195 Minister separately now, after this, I'm confident that these are resolvable and 148 00:12:06,240 --> 00:12:08,987 will be resolved. To everybody's satisfaction. 149 00:12:11,147 --> 00:12:15,061 Okay. If there's no other questions, I don't see any other hands. 150 00:12:15,107 --> 00:12:17,147 So we'll wrap up there. Thank you very much. 151 00:12:17,447 --> 00:12:18,647 Thank you. 152 00:12:21,467 --> 00:12:24,707 All right. Make more progress, yeah.