EU President Van Rompuy commends Montenegro’s reform efforts, cooperation and interethnic dialogue, voices full EU support

“I came to Podgorica with the message of encouragement and the reinforced message of the European perspective. I encourage your country to continue the reform efforts and the positive role it is playing in the region,” President of the European Council Herman Van Rompuy told the press after meeting with Prime Minister Milo Djukanovic on Tuesday, October 19.

President of the European Council commended the Prime Minister and the Government on the progress achieved in European integration, state building and the necessary reforms and expressed the European Union’s full support for Montenegro’s EU bid.

The EU official stressed in particular Montenegro’s record in interethnic dialogue and cooperation and its constructive role in regional cooperation.

“I would also like to highlight Montenegro’s record in interethnic dialogue and cooperation…I praise the leadership of the Prime Minister and his government for assuming important responsibilities, from the Central European Initiative, through the Adriatic-Ionian Initiative to the South-East European Cooperation Process,” said he.

“Montenegro and the European Union have very close relationship. The EU was actively engaged in the referendum which led to the independence of Montenegro.”

President Van Rompuy recalled that Montenegro achieved visa liberalization last December, that the Stabilization and Association Agreement entered into force in May and that soon, in three weeks, the European Commission will present its opinion and recommendations on Montenegro’s EU membership application.

He underlined the importance of continuing Montenegro’s reform efforts, with particular emphasis on sustainable progress in the rule of law areas, such as judicial reform and the fight against corruption and organized crime.

In conclusion, President Van Rompuy reiterated the EU’s full commitment to the European perspective of the Western Balkans.