The Intergovernmental Conference was chaired by the Foreign Minister of Latvia, Edgars Rinkevics, who pointed out that Montenegro was a leader and a role model for other countries in the region.
“When it comes to the rule of law, the Montenegrin authorities have taken concrete steps in the right direction which enabled opening the chapters today,” the European Commissioner for European Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations, Johannes Hahn.
Luksic said that this was a great success for our country and the whole society, particularly having in mind that Montenegro had been negotiating for only three years.
“Opening of these two chapters today represents a tribute to the tremendous work, efforts and commitment of all institutions and individuals engaged in these chapters. Also, it seems that we are a step closer to the EU membership,” Luksic said.
Consider priorities for the next period
At the meeting of the Stabilisation and Association Council between the European Union and Montenegro in Luxembourg, chaired by Mr Luksic, Montenegro’s progress in preparations for EU accession has been recorded, but it has also been said that the priorities for the next period within the framework of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement are supposed to be reviewed.
The Council has examined the level of Montenegro’s readiness to join the EU, particularly in the light of the Montenegro Progress Report 2014 drawn up by the European Commission.
“The revision of the Action Plans for Chapters 23 and 24 that Montenegro conducted in February was particularly welcomed,” the Government of Montenegro and the EU communicated.
When it comes to the Copenhagen political criteria, the Council has recognised the efforts made by Montenegro, stressing at the same time the need for continuous further efforts in particular regarding the effective implementation of reforms in many key areas, aimed at, among other things, achieving further tangible results in the fight against corruption and organised crime.
As for primarily political criteria, including the protection of human, civil and political rights, as well as social and economic rights, the protection of LGBT rights, women’s rights and gender equality, and protection of the rights of persons belonging to minority groups, the Council has generally welcomed the progress achieved. The Council has urged Montenegro to intensify its efforts and respond to the remaining shortcomings, ensuring that the reforms momentum is continued and strengthened.
Reminding the chapters related to judiciary and fundamental rights, as well as to justice, freedom and security are being dealt with at the beginning of negotiations, the Council has encouraged Montenegro to pay additional attention to achieving tangible results and measurable progress regarding the rule of law, particularly when it comes to organised crime and corruption.
When it comes to the accountability and integrity of the judiciary, the Council has welcomed the recent adoption of four new laws that are expected to strengthen the independence and professionalism of the judiciary.
“It is necessary to continually invest efforts to improve these reform activities, as well as to increase efficiency of the judiciary. The Council also looks forward to the formal establishment of a new Special Prosecutor’s Office, which is expected to effectively cooperate with the police and establish a proactive approach. The need to provide adequate funds for this body has also been stressed,” it was said in the statement.
The Council expects initial and measurable progress of Montenegro in investigations, prosecution and convictions related to cases of corruption and organised crime. It has welcomed the timely establishment of a new Agency for anti-corruption, which is believed to be fully operational by January 2016.
The Council has called for making additional efforts to resolve the affair dubbed “Recording” (“Snimak”). When it comes to media freedom, the Council has urged on immediate action pursuant to the recommendations of the commission for monitoring the activities of the competent authorities in the investigations and prosecution cases of violence against media, expressing full support for the work of the commission.
Our country has also been encouraged to continue to work on finding mutually acceptable solutions to border issues with other countries of the Western Balkans.
