Broad national consensus key to success of Montenegro EU bid, Enlargement Commissioner Füle emphasises

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Brussels, Belgium (22 March) – Prime Minister Igor Lukšić met with Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighbourhood Policy Štefan Füle in Brussels earlier today.

During the talks, Commissioner Füle in particular welcomed the consensus Montenegro has reached by involving parliamentary opposition, NGOs and media into its EU bid.

“The broad national consensus on the country's European agenda is one of the main assets of Montenegro in its EU bid, which needs to be preserved throughout all the demanding phases of the accession process”, stated in the European Commission's press release.

As the European Commission is to present this spring a report on Montenegro’s recent track record in pursuing reforms, Commissioner Füle encouraged PM Lukšić “to maintain a brisk pace of reforms”. He placed particular emphasis on the key issues that need to be tackled, such as constitutional reforms, fight against organised crime and corruption, and implementation of recently adopted legislation.

The European Council’s decision to open the door towards the start of accession talks with Montenegro is “a fair recognition” for the country’s overall accomplishments, Füle emphasised.

He also pledged the Commission’s strong support for further Montenegro’s efforts towards the EU membership, the EC's press release concludes.