"Montenegro is the most advanced country on the path towards the EU," said Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos during her official visit.
She stated that Montenegro must accelerate the pace of reforms, but also that it sets a strong example for other countries in the region.
She assessed that institutions have made sufficient progress and said that discussions with the Montenegrin delegation are taking place on a daily basis.
She underlined that three things are key.
"You are not yet at the required level when it comes to the rule of law. You must adopt and implement laws, deliver judgments in high-level corruption cases, and continue working on media freedom. Montenegro must also adopt appropriate legislation in line with EU law. We have learned lessons from previous enlargements, so there will be new rules and Montenegro will have to comply with them. This does not mean you will have fewer rights, but that you will remain committed to EU values at all times," Kos stated.
Milojko Spajić said that there is still a great deal of work ahead on the path to membership and that this year is crucial for them.
"The anniversary of the restoration of independence should be remembered - and it should be remembered as the moment when Montenegro enters a new era, a new European era. That is why it is very important that we give our utmost so that future generations remember this year as key to Montenegro’s accession to the EU," Spajić highlighted.
He recalled that 19 chapters remain to be closed, while 14 have already been closed.
"These 14 closed chapters mean that we have achieved 100 per cent alignment with European Union regulations. Of the remaining 19, many are at 80 or 90 per cent completion, but until you reach 100 per cent, you do not see concrete results," Spajić said.
Responding to a journalist’s question about how many chapters he expects to be closed by the end of the year, Spajić said they are proceeding according to the planned pace.
"Things need to accelerate and there is significant pressure, but that is understandable. The results so far are impressive, as is what will yet be achieved. It is not a question of when or how they will be closed. What matters is that we are proceeding according to plan," Spajić said.
EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos is visiting Montenegro today and tomorrow, where she will meet with senior state officials to discuss reforms, the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, and the country’s further progress towards European Union membership.
"Montenegro has so far opened all accession negotiation chapters and has already closed 14, six of which were closed last year and two additional ones this year. The country is steadily and consistently advancing in accession negotiations. Continued support is needed to maintain its ambitious negotiation timetable," the European Commission said in a statement ahead of the visit.
Montenegro on the final stretch towards EU membership
The Speaker of the Parliament of Montenegro, Andrija Mandić, also met with Marta Kos, the Parliament announced, stating that during its current term the assembly has adopted nearly 400 laws, of which close to 170 have been marked with a “blue flag”, meaning they are key to the EU accession process.
"As we have repeatedly confirmed, the Parliament will complete its part of the work on time. I take this opportunity to once again call for genuine dialogue and unity around what is the wish of over 85 per cent of Montenegro’s citizens - that future generations remember this parliamentary term as one of responsible politicians who fulfilled the decades-long dream of our country and its people," Mandić said.
Commissioner Kos emphasised that accession to the European Union is a national project and must be "carried by all political parties and enjoy the trust of citizens".
"The Parliament must be a place where differing views are channelled towards common solutions. Montenegro is on the final stretch of its path towards European Union membership. Joint efforts will lead you to your goal," she said.
(EUpravo zato)