EC President Barroso praises new government’s and PM Luksic’s commitment in pursuing European agenda

• Barroso’s first ever official visit to Montenegro symbolically takes place on 100th day of new government
• EC President: EU commitment to ‘enlargement perspective’ of Montenegro and other SEE countries ‘as firm as ever’
• PM Luksic: Partnership with European Commission vital for Montenegro’s EU accession process

Podgorica, Montenegro (8 April 2011) -- European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso voiced confidence that Montenegro has the talent and the energy to take its rightful place in the European family of nations. He praised the new government’s and PM Igor Luksic’s efforts in pursuing Montenegro’s European agenda.

After meeting with PM Luksic, in what was his first ever visit to Montenegro, Barroso told the press that the European Union’s strategic commitment to the enlargement perspective of South Eastern Europe, including Montenegro, is as firm as ever.

Barroso underlined that Montenegro is “at a decisive stage in EU integration,” and welcomed the “inclusive way in which the Government is dealing with” this process, referring to Montenegro’s broad national dialogue on EU accession commitments. He stressed that the EC has given “firm recognition” to Montenegro’s efforts, which, he said, also carries a “great responsibility” for the future.

PM Luksic underlined that the government’s partnership and close cooperation with the European Commission plays a key role in Montenegro’s EU accession process.