Marta Kos describes EU role as a shepherd overseeing candidate countries

European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos compared her role regarding EU candidate countries to that of a shepherd watching over a flock during a lecture at the Faculty of Political Sciences in Podgorica. She noted that while she possesses significant power in this capacity, true transformation occurs only when citizens feel the changes.

Kos emphasized that the European Union can set conditions, monitor reforms, and apply pressure, but it cannot replace the will of the citizens or remove politicians from their positions. She stated that the responsibility for democratic processes and implementing reforms rests primarily with Montenegro.

During her visit to Montenegro for the Berlin Process Summit, Kos identified Montenegro as the country she has visited most frequently this year, describing it as a leader in the EU accession process. She noted that upcoming weeks and months will be decisive for the country to reach its target milestones.