Start of accession talks with EU joint success of Montenegro’s institutions and European Commission

Podgorica, Montenegro (5 July 2012) – The start of accession negotiations between Montenegro and the European Union is a joint success of Montenegro’s institutions and the European Commission, concluded the meeting between Deputy Prime Minister Duško Marković and Director of DG Enlargement Stefano Sannino held earlier today at Villa “Gorica” in Podgorica.

Mr Sannino congratulated to Mr Marković on the results achieved in the area of judicial reform and fight against organised crime and corruption, voicing optimism regarding next phases of Montenegro’s EU integration.

Deputy Prime Minister Marković thanked Director Sannino for European Commission’s help and support to Montenegro’s institutions in tackling the previous integration phases, underlining that he shares the optimism regarding further reform efforts. He also noted that all those involved in the process are highly motivated to pursue the commitments on Montenegro’s EU agenda. The decision to start accession talks, the DPM concluded, will provide the necessary continuity and pace of institutional efforts towards meeting European standards.