DPM Markovic presents Montenegro’s efforts to meet EU priorities, announces new activities

The Government of Montenegro affirms the positive spirit of cooperation with all stakeholders in European and Euro-Atlantic integration process, and its efforts to meet the European Commission seven key criteria are impressive and encouraging, Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Minister Dusko Markovic and heads of EU member states missions to Montenegro agreed during their meeting in Podgorica on Monday.
Taking into account the NATO and EU accession as two key priorities of Montenegrin foreign policy, DPM Markovic said on this occasion that the Government launched the widest dialogue within the country on these and other priorities. “You have witnessed this dialogue. We want to send a clear message that the Government does not want to monopolise the process, but that it also takes full responsibility,” DPM Markovic underlined.

He also acquainted ambassadors with the Government’s plan to propose new law on NGOs, which will improve civil sector financing and create opportunities to use their unquestionable potential. “We want to improve the relations with the media through greater transparency and economic state aid. The Montenegrin Government will also propose amendments to the Criminal Code, which will among other things decriminalise defamation, whereas libel liability will be regulated under civil legislation,” the Deputy Prime Minister announced.

He stressed the Government’s top priority is the finalisation of the Action plan for meeting seven key requirements given in EC Opinion. ”We are in the final phase of public dialogue and I believe that after the European Commission's suggestions, we will have a document that will be applicable in a short period of time and therefore deserve the date for launch of EU entry talks. But we have already been intensively working and realising a number of commitments from the report, as we do not want to lose a race against time,” Markovic reiterated.

Furthermore, the DPM announced amendments to the laws on courts, public prosecution, Judicial and Prosecution Councils for the Parliament’s spring session, which he said would promote the criteria for the appointment of judicial office holders and set out clear requirements for their promotion and disciplinary liability. He also announced amendments to the Constitution in view of highest judicial office holders’ appointment by the end of February.

“This means that we are working on two tracks towards a single goal – empowering independence, accountability and professionalism of the judiciary. We express gratitude to our European partners for providing us with expert support in this endeavour,” DPM Markovic concluded.

Heads of EU missions vowed support to Montenegrin Government and its institutions, as well as to the society as a whole, in the forthcoming stages of integration.