European Commission recommends opening of accession talks with Montenegro in June

Podgorica, Montenegro (23 May 2012) -- The European Commission (EC) adopted the report on Montenegro’s track record in implementing reforms related to the EC’s seven key priorities, in which it recommends the opening of accession talks with the country in June 2012.

“…Montenegro has achieved the necessary degree of compliance with the membership criteria and in particular the Copenhagen political criteria, to start accession negotiation. In light of these considerations and taking into account the Council conclusions of December 2011, the Commission reiterates its recommendation that accession negotiations be opened with Montenegro,” the Report concludes.

Strengthening the work of the Parliament, de-politicisation of public administration, advancement of media freedom and cooperation with the civil society are the fields where Montenegro, according to the Commission’s report, made further progress in the period from 1 September 2011 - 1 March 2012.

The Report also welcomes the ongoing process of adopting constitutional amendments with a view of further advancing judicial independence, implementation of anti-discrimination and anti-corruption measures, and further progress in resolving issues of displaced persons, Roma, Ashkali and Egyptians.

Montenegro has made additional progress in the area of rule of law, but it will have to sustain its efforts in particular as to high-level corruption and organised crime cases. Although Montenegro has further developed its track record in corruption cases, the investigations and final convictions for high-level corruption cases remain a matter of concern for the European Commission, the Report reads.

With regard to judiciary, the Report emphasises the need to establish an independent and professional judicial system, “in particular through de-politicised and merit-based appointments of the Judicial and Prosecutorial Councils' members and of state prosecutors”.

The regional and international cooperation between police authorities of the region has been improved.

On the other hand, the report continues, Montenegro has to enhance the cooperation between the Public Prosecutor's Office and the police within the new Code on Criminal Procedure, as well as to advance expert skills and capacities of the Police Authority in preventing money laundering and financing of terrorism.