Montenegro's progress towards EU membership and the importance of involving local authorities in the accession process were at the centre of the 25th meeting of the EU–Montenegro Joint Consultative Committee (JCC), held on 20 October in Berane, Montenegro.
Co-chaired by Nikola Dobroslavić (EPP/HR), Chair of the Dubrovnik-Neretva County Assembly, and Radoš Žugić, Mayor of Žabljak, the meeting brought together local representatives and EU and Montenegrin officials to discuss Montenegro's EU accession process and the demographic challenges facing the country.
Dobroslavić reaffirmed strong support for Montenegro's European integration, describing the country as a leader in the EU accession process and expressing confidence that it would fulfil the remaining conditions for membership.
"Full support for Montenegro on its way to the EU was confirmed and it was requested that the Government maximally involve local authorities in negotiations and all other processes in the country's political life," said Dobroslavić after the meeting.
Dobroslavić also brought the recently adopted CoR resolution on Serbia to the attention of his Montenegrin counterparts, underlining that EU accession requires not only institutional reforms but also respect for European values, historical accountability and reconciliation. The resolution, unanimously adopted at the CoR's October plenary session, condemns the glorification of convicted war criminals.
The meeting also featured discussions on demographic challenges, including the role of local authorities in addressing population trends and their consequences for communities. Dobroslavić stressed that demographic change is among the most important challenges facing both the EU and the wider Western world.