Check against delivery! 

Dear Minister, dear Dragan [Krapović] and dear ladies and gentlemen.

It is a pleasure to be here today in Montenegro. We have just seen important military equipment including chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear protective gear, search and rescue tools and equipment for extreme weather.

In February, the EU approved assistance worth €6 million under the European Peace Facility to strengthen Montenegro's Armed forces. In the coming weeks, we will work with you to create the detailed list of Montenegro’ specific military needs, so we can continue providing the right support.  

And this equipment will add to the €6 million for the Balkan Medical Task Force. We will provide medical vehicles, field hospital tents and emergency heating systems. Much of this aid will arrive over the course of this year.

Our assistance aims to strengthen Montenegro's defence capabilities and ensure that its Armed forces can work better alongside European Union but also alongside NATO.  

I also want to thank, Minister, for Montenegro’ support of the Horn of Africa. In doing this, Montenegro is directly contributing to our collective efforts in crisis management and geopolitical stability. Your active engagement in common security and defence policy missions is also strong commitment to the values and responsibilities that, come with the European Union membership.  

Tomorrow I will be there in Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina where I will urge the local leaders to stop divisive rhetorical attacks on the constitution. I will also call on them to take the responsibility and support the country's progress in the European Union path, just as Montenegro has done.  

Dear Dragan, thank you again for hosting me today. Montenegro is not just a friend and an ally, but also a future European Union Member. Our cooperation will only grow stronger.  

Thank you so far and [I am] looking forward to also welcoming you in the European Union family.  

Thank you. 

Link to the video (starting at 5:03): https://audiovisual.ec.europa.eu/en/video/I-270563