Montenegro is the most successful candidate country and its everyday reforms prove its willingness to join the European Union, MEPs agreed on last night’s session.
MEPs also noted strong Russia’s influence on the processes in Montenegro and invited the competent authorities in the country to examine the Russian meddling with the October elections as soon as possible.
MEP Ivica Tolic said that pro-Serbian opposition in Montenegro would like to prevent the European process. Therefore, as he said, their boycott is not surprising. He added that the European Union must not be a passive observer of events in Montenegro.
On Russian influence
“We wonder what EU’s role in the accession process of Montenegro is. May we be passive observers of what is happening in Montenegro, especially when it comes to Russian influence,” Tolic said.
The majority of MEPs is satisfied with the pace of Montenegro’s accession, noting that Montenegro should serve as a role model for other candidates with its 26 open chapters.
MEP Ian Borg said that negotiating on chapters 11 and 19 was an indicator that Montenegro was ready to meet EU standards.
“We will try to improve negotiations with the EU. We monitor progress in the rule of law and that area determines the entire framework and dynamics of accession,” said Borg, adding that the constitutional order is largely positive, but its implementation remains an outstanding issue.
“This is not necessary only because of the accession but because of the country itself. It is important that Montenegro itself takes over the management of these processes and shows that it works in the interests of the people,” Borg added.
He called on the opposition parties to participate in constructive dialogue in Parliament.
“In light of the overall situation in the Western Balkans, it is important to show that Montenegro’s actions positively affect the region. Montenegro is making constant progress and developing good relations with its neighbours, so we hope it will further progress towards the EU,” he said.
MEP Julian King said that Montenegro was progressing towards the EU, but concrete results were necessary.
A country with a clear perspective
“It is a country with a clear perspective, a country that is a leader among all other countries in the accession process. Montenegro is a success story in many ways, but there are challenges, and they should be discussed,” he said.
He added that Parliament boycott was not a good solution.
“Parliament is half empty because the opposition is boycotting it. We share the concern and send Commission’s message to the partners that it is important to keep the discussion within the institutions. The boycott is not good a good solution anywhere, especially not in a candidate country,” he said.
King added that the competent authorities should ensure a swift investigation into the attempted coup on election day.
“This would facilitate the political tension and contribute to the creation of concrete results in the fight against crime and corruption”, he said.
