Group of journalists from the EU member states paid a visit to Montenegro within the campaign to raise awareness – “Discover Montenegro”, organized by the European Commission Directorate General for Enlargement

During the meeting, President Krivokapić and the EU journalists spoke about the integration process of our state, the rule of law and the overall path of democratization of our society.

On this occasion, the journalists expressed great interest especially in the field of the rule of law, so their questions were mostly related to that matter. President Ranko Krivokapic emphasized that the rule of law is the most important challenge of Montenegro on its overall path towards the membership in the EU and NATO, but also pointed out that the rule of law is a reflection of the maturity of society. "Through maturing of the society as a whole, the rule of law will be stronger in Montenegro. That is confirmed by the Parliament of Montenegro, which is becoming a stronger institution of Montenegrin democracy" said President Krivokapić to journalists. 

"Montenegro's accession into the EU, as a full member, should be viewed that the Union will be richer for the example of coexistence of diversities. Montenegro is a living example that it is possible to have a life of harmony of different religions and nations, especially in this part of Europe. This is exactly the way how our state has enriched the overall system of values of modern and civic Europe" said the President Krivokapić.

The journalist from the Netherlands asked, when Montenegro will become a member state of the EU, and President Krivokapić answered: "It is certain that we are the next member state of the EU and NATO. We do not worry about the dates, but the results and the strength of the rule of law. If you look and compare Montenegro from the nineties and today, it will be clear what progress we have made ​​and how democracy is ever present and vivid in our society. Independence movement in Montenegro was not a national movement, but a civil movement, the strength and will of citizens crowned on 21 May 2006, and thus Euro-Atlantic path was traced and marked as no alternative direction" said Krivokapić.

On this occasion President Ranko Krivokapić reiterated that it is important for both NATO and the EU to protect the whole coast of the Mediterranean with NATO umbrella, because Montenegro is the only part of the coast from Portugal to Turkey without NATO protection. "NATO is a guarantee of stability, and if you have stability, then you can easier respond to new threats," emphasized Krivokapić.

President Krivokapić thanked journalists and the EU Delegation to Montenegro for the interest and this campaign.