Enlargement Commissioner Fule congratulates Montenegro on gaining EU candidate status

European Commissioner for Enlagrement and Neighbourhood Policy Stefan Fule congratulated Montenegro on the confirmation of EU candidate status granted on December 17 by the European Council.

He welcomed this decision as a confirmation of Commission's recommendation passed on November 9. "We hope that today's decision will give new impetus to the country's EU-related reforms, especially with respect to the key priorities identified by the Commission as instrumental to preparing the country for the opening of its accession negotiations with the EU", said Commissioner Fule.

The Commissioner praised the complementary processes of EU enlargement and reform in Montenegro by saying that the decision “reflects the recognition by the EU of the progress made by Montenegro in its preparation for future EU membership,” adding that “it is a powerful demonstration of the credibility of our enlargement policy, which delivers results in Brussels when reforms take place at home – i.e. in Montenegro.”