Montenegro’s EU accession talks should start soon, says Austrian Vice-Chancellor

Vienna, Austria (9 June 2011) – Europe should open EU entry talks with Montenegro very soon, Austrian Foreign Minister and Vice-Chancellor Michael Spindelegger told the press following his meeting with Prime Minister Igor Lukšić at the Vienna World Economic Forum on Europe and Central Asia.

“We have a common plan that we should start with negotiations from the European side with Montenegro very soon”, Vice-Chancellor Spindelegger announced, voicing Austria’s readiness to fully support the country’s EU bid.

 

On the sidelines of the World Economic Forum, PM Luksic also met with Austrian Chancellor Werner Faymann.

Austria is among the five most important investors in Montenegro, in particular in the fields of insurance and banking, Prime Minister Igor Lukšić said, adding that the Montenegrin Government will continue to introduce structural reforms and advance business environment with a view to attracting more foreign investments.

He also introduced the Austrian Chancellor to the implementation of Montenegro’s Action Plan for meeting the European Commission’s recommendations. The opening of the country’s accession negotiations would be “a strong message” for both the Government to continue reforms in all areas and also for the entire Montenegrin society to do its best in order to build the system for the full integration into the EU, which is of great importance for both Europe and the region, the PM concluded.