Despite the progress made by some Western Balkan countries such as North Macedonia and Albania, challenges remain when it comes to EU accession, including unresolved issues such as the Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue and the need for structural reforms
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00:00 Montenegro's new government is building momentum towards joining the EU, the country's Europe
00:05 minister told Euronews.
00:07 Maida Gorsavic said there are encouraging signs across the political spectrum in Montenegro,
00:12 which has started much of the work required to join the EU.
00:15 It's one of the most likely next members of the bloc.
00:18 We are having new momentum, we are having new energy with the new government and this
00:21 is the first time after a couple of years that we are having also this political stability
00:26 when it comes also consensus over European integration.
00:29 So at this moment in the first 100 days of the government we showed that we had open
00:35 dialogue not only with the political majority but also with the opposition when it comes
00:40 to European path.
00:42 Despite progress made by some Western Balkan countries like North Macedonia and Albania,
00:47 challenges persist, including unresolved issues such as the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue and
00:53 the need for structural reforms.
00:56 Compared to other countries we have also some additional hurdles which makes it more difficult
01:01 for us in this race that is supposed to be equal.
01:03 We are the only country that still doesn't have the candidate status, we still are struggling
01:08 with the recognition from five members of the EU.
01:14 While EU politicians have expressed support for enlargement, including initiatives like
01:18 the new growth plan for the Western Balkans, questions remain regarding the direction of
01:22 travel.
01:24 With the region of Western Balkans being outside of the European Union and I'm not sure if
01:30 on a long term EU, not the Western Balkans only, but EU can afford this.
01:38 The European Commission has recommended opening EU accession talks with Bosnia and Herzegovina
01:44 eight years after it applied to be a member.
01:48 The Commission's request is expected to be approved at the EU summit in Brussels this
01:53 week.
01:53 [LAUGHTER]