BELGRADE, Feb. 6 (Xinhua) -- Western Balkan region got concrete assurances for the first time that it will become a part of Europe, said Montenegrin Prime Minister Dusko Markovic, commenting on the new EU enlargement strategy for the region adopted by the European Commission on Tuesday.
The prime minister also estimated that the country can become a member well before 2025 if it delivers adequate results.
Markovic held a press conference at Villa Gorica in Podgorica together with the head of the EU delegation in Montenegro Aivo Orav, where he estimated that the new strategy represents "a definitely positive signal in a time when the region needs it most, delivering a clear message that the European perspective for the Western Balkans countries is still credible and alive."
"Today we got this message, and it is complex as the enlargement process itself, but it is clear: we will be a part of the EU," Markovic said, according to the press release of the government.
He continued that this message is especially important for Montenegro because the country is mentioned as the next member state in a time framework defined by the year 2025, which is, according to Markovic, a credible time frame in which it can prepare for the membership.
"If we achieve adequate results, we can join EU even sooner," he said.
Markovic supported EU plans to prepare for new members, as well as proposals on how to simplify coordination, program financing and participation of Western Balkans countries in policies and programs of the EU.
"We in Montenegro see this strategy as an incentive to continue with our efforts and good results in implementing vital reforms so that we can complete our political, economic and social transformation," Markovic concluded.
Montenegro signed the Stabilization and Association agreement with the EU in 2007 and in 2010 was granted candidate status. Montenegro started EU negotiations in 2012 and has so far opened 30 chapters of the EU Acquis.
