European Council aims at opening EU accession talks with Montenegro in June 2012

Podgorica, Montenegro (9 December 2011) -- The European Council has tasked the EU Council to examine Montenegro's progress in the implementation of reforms with a view to opening accession negotiations with Montenegro in June 2012, the EU heads of state and government said in a statement earlier today.

The EU leaders instructed the Council to put a particular focus on Montenegro’s reform efforts in the area of rule of law and fundamental rights especially the fight against corruption and organised crime.

They also invited the European Commission to propose a framework for EU entry talks with Montenegro, in line with the new enlargement approach which involves the opening of the talks with chapters on the judiciary and fundamental rights, and justice, freedom and security.