Public debate - Enlargement solidarity: between political and economic convergence and solidarity

info@cepeuch.com

Public debate - Enlargement solidarity: between political and economic convergence and solidarity

Public debate: Enlargement solidarity: between political and economic convergence and solidarity, for the third volume of the book: European Solidarity in Action and the Future of Europe: Views from the Capitals (2021), published by Springer was held at the Faculty of Economics, University of Montenegro on Wednesday, November 3, 2021 at 11 am.

The Montenegro chapter: Enlargement solidarity: Hoping for the Best… was authored by Danijela Jaćimović and Nikola Milović

The aim of the debate was the solidarity beetween political and economics convergence and solidarity. The discussion was moderated by Danijela Jaćimović (chapter author) and the panellists were:

Prof . Nikola Milović, Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Chapter author

Oana-Cristina Popa, PhD, EU Ambassador and Head of EU Delegation to Montenegro

Jakov Milatović, MSc, Minister of Economic Development

Andrea Sabatini, MSc, Finance Manager, Trans European Policy Studies Association (TEPSA)

The pandemic showed that solidarity, cooperation and coordination are key factors for a successful recovery and a better future, said Dean Milovic, addressing the audience:
"The European Union as a credible actor on the regional and global scene should effectively and visibly show its ability to act. correctly and quickly in Montenegro and other Western Balkan countries. At the core of Schumann's visionary path of unification, democracy and prosperity is solidarity as a cornerstone of the European project. The European Union is continuously showing this solidarity with Montenegro, so during the past year, marked by the COVID-19 pandemic, it donated 53 million euros worth of aid "- said Milović.

IMG 20211103 110100 min

He also referred to the fact that solidarity is not a "one-way street", but that Montenegro needs to prove its solidarity by faster and more serious implementation of European values and meeting political criteria: "As the European Union chooses Montenegro, it confirms that Montenegro chooses The European path lies in a recent public opinion poll which showed that 75% of Montenegrin citizens support the country's accession to this Union", he concluded.

The Ambassador of the European Union to Montenegro, Oana Kristina Popa, pointed out that the mutual political and economic rapprochement with the European Union is a continuous, parallel and challenging process, and emphasized: "One cannot have an advantage over the other, because both processes are closely connected. Montenegro must work on both fronts, make decisive and courageous political decisions and overcome tensions, which will enable the country to move forward in terms of political and economic reforms. The EU is ready to help both politically and with large investments through the Economic Investment Plan, IPA projects and other investments. "Now is the time for Montenegro to take a step forward and prove that it is truly a leader in the region in this process," Popa concluded.

IMG 20211103 111500 min

The Minister of Economic Development in the Government of Montenegro, Jakov Milatović, speaking on the topic of the debate and answering numerous questions from students, said that all activities of this Government are aimed at fulfilling the European agenda, launching economic activity, stabilizing public finances and improving the quality of life. We strive for Montenegro to be a state of European values and equal opportunities for all citizens, to be a system that is sustainable and that will not be able, as such, to collapse", he concluded.

IMG 20211103 113151 min
Also, during his presentation, Minister Milatović pointed out that there is a strong will, necessary knowledge and strong commitment aimed at more dynamic economic growth and development and a fair social policy, which is of great importance for our European path and future. He also referred to the assistance provided by the European Union to Montenegro in the moments of the global crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic, and added that it showed a high degree of solidarity towards Montenegro as a candidate country for EU membership.

That the perspective of the accession of the countries of the Western Balkans and the internal events in the EU are today firmly connected, as never before, is convinced by prof. Dr. Danijela Jacimovic who considers that the initiative for economic integration can be a springboard in the process of European integration: “But for the region to truly develop, economic integration must be accompanied by reforms regarding the rule of law. The economic shock caused by the pandemic cannot be overcome by the countries of the Western Balkans on their own - and the concrete measures should be - acceleration of the announced EU investment plans. "Without the strong voice of the European Union, through the engagement of substantial political and financial changes and effects, along with the revitalization of the transatlantic approach to fostering democratic development in the Western Balkans, the issue of democratic regression in the region will not be resolved."

IMG 20211103 110718 min

The publication of the monograph "The Future of Europe" was coordinated by the Trans European Policy Studies Association (TEPSA), whose representative at today's debate was Andrea Sabatini. Speaking about the importance of this monograph, Mr. Sabatini pointed out that it presented a picture of the success and challenges of European solidarity in action: "Despite the fact that the cornerstone of the European integration process, solidarity between member states and the European neighborhood remains a concept that is talked about loudly, but it is rarely acted upon. The COVID-19 pandemic set a good example of the EU's influence on solving common problems, by introducing a series of emergency financial programs. However, it seems that many citizens of the Union are dissatisfied with solidarity in action, which proves that it needs special attention in order to improve it, "Sabatini said.

IMG 20211103 111048 min 1
The topic of the debate aroused great interest among all 50 present students who, during the two-hour duration of the event, used the presence of their professors, Ambassador Pop and Minister Milatović for numerous questions about the future of our country and its European path.