In a publication on Montenegro, Velina Lilyanova from the European Parliament’s (EP) research department said the country was still the leader in the region, with all the negotiation chapters with the EU opened and on the way to become a NATO member.
She said that Montenegro still had to make improvements to the efficiency of its reforms in key areas.
“In 2012, Montenegro was the first country of the Western Balkans to begin accession negotiations with the EU. At the beginning of 2017 it had 26 chapters opened, two of which were provisionally closed. It is expected to become a NATO member state in May 2017 in spite of divided public and opposition’s calls to hold a referendum on this issue. Montenegro is the favourite in the region in terms of Euro-Atlantic integration,” Lilyanova’s report reads.
She says that there is a fragmented political scene in the country, but commended “the government of electoral trust” formed ahead of elections in October 2016, because the government has thus shown willingness to make compromise.
According to her, generally regular and competitive elections were marred by some irregularities and a coup attempt organised by Russia.
The EU calls for quick investigation of this case. Legislative and institutional reforms are well under way and progress has been made almost all basic areas.
Freedom of expression represents a problem area with no success made, Lilyanova says in the report.
“There are a large number of libel cases, discrimination in advertising and the unsolved cases of attacks against journalists who are only part of this picture,” she says.
As for the economy, the expert notes that Montenegro is moderately prepared, but recommends curbing current expenditures and improving revenue collection.
She calls in mind that on 28 February 2017, the Committee on Foreign Affairs adopted the resolution on Montenegro, which welcomes its steady progress.
“However, I emphasise that Montenegro needs to confront the impact on the judiciary, improve the media environment and make the fight against corruption priority. I commend the elections that were conducted despite difficulties and I urge the Commission to monitor the investigation into the attempted coup and I invite all political parties to engage in dialogue. We welcome the active role of Montenegro in the region, as well as future membership in NATO, which will be an important contribution to stability in Europe,” she says in the report.
