DPM Bečić meets with newly appointed Head of OSCE Mission to Montenegro Jan Haukaas

Deputy Prime Minister Aleksa Bečić met with the newly appointed Head of the OSCE Mission to Montenegro, Ambassador Jan Haukaas.

We view your return to Montenegro as a strong foundation for the continuation of the successful cooperation we have had with your predecessors and the OSCE as a whole. This collaboration has enabled the implementation of numerous significant projects in various areas. I am proud to highlight that, with the support of the OSCE during my tenure as Speaker of the Parliament of Montenegro, we successfully implemented groundbreaking initiatives in transparency, strengthening oversight functions, capacity building, gender equality, and other critical fields, stated Bečić.

Ambassador Haukaas emphasized that his main priority would be to gain a comprehensive understanding of Montenegro in all its diversity, from the south to the north, to best address the specific needs of each region. This approach aims to ensure tangible benefits for all citizens through OSCE activities in Montenegro.

In this context, he highlighted the importance of investing in young people, describing them as the key to Montenegro's and society's future.

Bečić pointed out that the political stability achieved by the government, which enjoys the strongest parliamentary support in Montenegro's multiparty history, has laid a solid foundation for remarkable results within the first year of its mandate.

The government's priorities, as clearly demonstrated by the outcomes achieved, focus on accelerating European integration, enhancing the economic and social empowerment of citizens, strengthening institutions, and decisively combating organized crime and corruption. What makes us particularly proud is that Montenegro and its institutions have shown that there are no longer any untouchables in this country and that no one can stand above the state, emphasized Bečić.

He further noted that in just one year of governance, Montenegro received IBAR, which eluded previous administrations, and closed as many negotiation chapters as all past governments combined in 12 years.

This highlights an unprecedentedly successful year on our European path. The European Union is closer than ever, and it is the responsibility of all societal actors to seize this unique opportunity for Montenegro to become the 28th EU member state by 2028, Bečić said, stressing that Montenegro's European journey transcends daily politics and demands unity and responsibility from all stakeholders.

In this process, the OSCE represents a key partner, offering valuable support in reforms that align us with European standards. Our European future is real and attainable, but it requires continuous effort, perseverance, and collective focus, Bečić concluded.

Ambassador Haukaas expressed his satisfaction with the continuation of constructive dialogue and collaboration between Montenegro and the OSCE, noting the organization's pivotal role in ensuring stability and supporting Montenegro's further democratic development.

Montenegro is well-positioned to maintain its momentum in achieving its national strategic objectives, and on this journey, OSCE support will remain steadfast, Haukaas concluded.