Ko made these statements at a joint press conference in Vienna, Austria, with the Austrian Minister for Youth, Family and EU Integration, Claudia Plakolm.

The official highlighted the “particular progress” of two candidate states, on their path to full membership and noted that Montenegro already meets all the criteria established for joining the EU.

She emphasized that, if the current pace of progress continues, the negotiations will be concluded within two years.

She added that Albania is also at a very advanced stage of its accession process.

Meanwhile, analysts believe the announcement reflects the EU’s geopolitical strategy to stabilize the Western Balkans region.

The European Commission, the source of these statements, is working on this timeline for the integration of both countries.

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