EP President: Montenegro’s place is in EU

“You are a candidate country with negotiations in front of. We hope that after the publication of the 2011 Progress Report the way will be open for Montenegro to join the European Union, because Montenegro’s place is in the European Union," President of the European Parliament Jerzy Buzek told a joint press briefing with Prime Minister Luksic in Brussels on Friday, March 25.

President Buzek recalled that the EP’s report on Montenegro of 9 March was positive and underlined the importance of reforms in the country.

“Everything what was done is very important, but now more important is everything that is in front of you," said Mr. Buzek.

He remarked that he and the Prime Minister had a very detailed discussion about the challenges lying ahead of Montenegro.

"I assure you that the Prime Minister is very concerned with all the problems and is ready to go ahead with all the reforms which are necessary,” said the EP President.

The Prime Minister noted that a recent resolution on Montenegro’s EU bid showed the European Parliament’s interest and enthusiasm in seeing progress in the country.

Mr. Luksic spoke about Montenegro’s efforts in meeting the requirements for the opening of EU accession talks and announced that, in the course of the talks, the government will work closely with all national stakeholders, the civil society and the media in particular.

For the video of the joint press conference please click on the video link above.