Montenegro and EU begin preparations for accession negotiations

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Podgorica, Montenegro (13 December 2011) – The Government of Montenegro and the European Commission will use the next several months to prepare for the accession negotiations, hoped to begin in June 2012, and the work will mainly focus on Chapters 23 and 24 of the Acquis, Stefano Sannino of the EU Commission’s Directorate General for Enlargement told the press following his meeting with Prime Minister Igor Lukšić earlier today.

Mr Sannino underlined that the Chapters 23 and 24 related to the rule of law, justice, freedom and fundamental rights will be looked into first, in accordance with the recently adopted EU policy regarding accession negotiations. He said that the Commission has been asked by the Council to draft a report on Montenegro’s progress in these areas which should be complete within a few months. Mr Sannino stressed that “we are confident Montenegro will be able to deliver as it did with the seven key priorities” set last year. He also noted the “two key elements to ensure Montenegro’s success: unity of the whole society in working towards the Euro-project and the inclusion of EU agenda into the national agenda.”

Prime Minister Lukšić said he is encouraged that the EU has already started with the preparations by initiating the screening process. He added that such a prompt visit by Mr Sannino, only a few days after the decision was reached regarding Montenegro’s accession negotiations , shows the strong commitment of the EU and the DG Enlargement to the enlargement process. PM Lukšić underlined that Montenegro remains fully committed to the EU integration process. He noted the Government will continue implementing reforms and enhancing the consensus on integration.

Mr Sannino underlined that the Council has instructed the Commission to begin preparing for the start of negotiations, expected in June 2012, and underlined that the Commission wishes to start the process as soon as possible. He underlined that hard work lies ahead, adding it is “one of those burdens you take with pleasure.” He also stressed that it is important to begin work immediately, as the expected start date is only several months away.

Mr Sannino concluded by congratulating PM Lukšić for his contribution: “Thanks to your personal leadership, Montenegro will also be able to deliver in the next few months,” adding that he believes “we will be able to celebrate the opening of negotiations in June.”