In order to mitigate the impact of this crisis on people and the economy and make progress on the road to the EU, Montenegro needs to build broad political and social support for necessary reforms in key areas regardless of party connections and other differences, Head of the Delegation of the European Union (EU) to Montenegro, Ms Oana Cristina Popa, told in an interview for Dan daily.
-Here are the highlights of the interview with Ms Popa-
- Will the change of power, based on your conclusions from August 30, contribute to accelerating Montenegro’s accession to the European Union or will it slow it down?
– The outcome of the parliamentary election held on August 30 reflects the will and choice of the citizens of Montenegro. The European Union strongly supports and shares the aspirations of the vast majority of Montenegro citizens who want their country to become a full member of the EU family.
Therefore, we encourage the new parliamentary majority and all other relevant social and political actors to work jointly and translate the publicly expressed political commitment to the goal of European integration into the necessary reforms.
Montenegro has already made significant progress on its path to the EU.
- Are you concerned about the weak political support for the expert government?
– This unprecedented health and economic crisis has shown us how important it is to focus on what unifies us, not on what divides us. In order to mitigate the impact of this crisis on the people and the economy and to make progress on the path to the EU, Montenegro needs to build broad political and social support for the necessary reforms in key areas, regardless of party connections and other differences.
- The European Commission report on Montenegro contains numerous criticisms of the rule of law in Montenegro. In that context, how do you see the situation with the re-election of court presidents, starting with Ms Vesna Medenica, who are in the midst of their fifth or sixth term?
-The European Commission was very clear in its latest annual report, noting that this issue is a matter of serious concern. The report emphasizes that the decision of the Judicial Council to re-elect seven court presidents, including the president of the Supreme Court, for at least a third term is not in line with GRECO’s recommendations on judicial independence, which Montenegro is expected to meet.
- Do you think that all members of the new majority essentially advocate for the EU values, and how do you comment on Mr Milo Đukanović’s assessments regarding the impact of official Belgrade on the election process and the post-election situation in our country as well?
– It’s of paramount importance that the citizens of Montenegro have the opportunity to vote in free and fair elections, carried out in accordance with international and European standards. Democratic institutions of Montenegro should be established on the basis of freely expressed voting will of the Montenegrin people, and no third party must affect it.
We welcome the publicly expressed determination of the new parliamentary majority to prioritize key reforms needed to accelerate Montenegro’s EU accession, including addressing the remaining election shortcomings. I strongly encourage the new parliament to launch a transparent, determined and inclusive dialogue on the implementation of the remaining OSCE/ODIHR recommendations. This is crucial for the progress in the comprehensive election reform that is needed.
- It’s obvious that the new government will have to cope with a huge economic and health crisis. Does the EU have a plan to assist Montenegro, as the country is about to go bankrupt?
-Although hit hard by the pandemic, the EU has spared no time or effort to provide the necessary and generous support for the Western Balkans. EU citizens greatly supported their European friends in Montenegro, proving that solidarity is indeed a fundamental European value. Ever since the outbreak of the coronavirus started, the European Union has ensured a 53-million-euro grant and an additional 60-million-euro soft loans to help sectors and individuals most affected by the crisis.
A part of these grants has already been used to purchase essential medical devices for Montenegrin health facilities, including 100 ventilators, as well as the much-needed protective equipment for health workers. In addition, this year we have provided a special health program, which will ensure long-term support to the health sector, through investment, including the construction of two new clinics – for infectious diseases and dermatology and venereology – the establishment of a modern medical lab and development of coronavirus testing capacities.
In addition, the economic and investment plan, presented by Commissioner Várhelyi last month, offers significant financial support to Montenegro and other WB countries. It’s important to point out that the EU funds the same type of projects in the region as it does in the Member States, including the areas of infrastructure, digital transformation and green economy. Montenegro and the region are thus already receiving the same treatment as if they were part of the EU.
- Your expectations from the EU-Western Balkans summit in Sofia?
-The summit in Sofia is being held at a crucial moment, when both the EU and the WB are facing the unprecedented health and economic risks. This meeting will pave the way for setting up a common regional market for the six economies of the WB, which is crucial for the affirmation of further alignment with EU standards and best international practices.
