German MPs commend Government efforts and reforms in Montenegro, PM Luksic announces more hard work

“As a country, you have shown ability to work hard and achieve good results, even though there is a lot more to be done,” Bundestag MPs from the Committee on EU affairs said at the meeting with Prime Minister Igor Luksic today.

The Committee representatives congratulated Montenegro on obtaining the candidate status, and PM Luksic responded that the “European agenda” is one of the key priorities of the new Government and stressed that Montenegro will work hard to strengthen its capacity and secure the support of EU member-states for the launch of accession talks.

“Even though the Action Plan  is due to be adopted next month, the Government is already working hard on meeting the EC criteria, and the public debate has been opened on the issue, to which I gave a personal contribution through consultations with stakeholders from various areas,” PM Luksic said.

PM Luksic also mentioned the activities undertaken to improve the freedom of the media, as well as important steps towards the de-criminalisation of defamation , fight against organised crime and corruption, and Government’s commitment to close cooperation with the civil society.

He added that in addition to the “European agenda,” the Government is undertaking a number of measures to improve the lives of citizens, such as reform in pension, health and education sectors, promoting the business environment and attracting new investment. In this regard, he pointed to the need for encouraging German investors to come to Montenegro, possibly by negotiating new agreements on avoiding double taxation and protection of foreign investment.

The MPs welcomed the transparency of the new Government, underlining that the first steps in meeting the EC criteria seem encouraging and well thought through in close communication with all relevant stakeholders.