Austria strongly supports South East Europe's integration into EU, PM Lukšić remarks

Podgorica, Montenegro (5 July 2012) -- Montegro is the first country of the region that opens the EU accession talks, following Croatia that entered the European Union. That it a good signal for the entire region, and Austria, as a great advocate of South East Europe's integration into the EU, has provided great support in that regard and is expected to continue to do so in the future, Prime Minister Igor Lukšić told the press following his meeting with Austrian Vice Chancellor and Foreign Minister Michael Spindelegger in Tivat, Montenegro, earlier today.

Montenegro opens negotiation talks with the acquis chapters 23 and 24, the PM added, which are vital for strenghtening the rule of law and more quality work of the institutions that have to meet the needs of both the citizens and the economy.

Austrian investors are present in Montenegro not only in the financial sector, banking and insurance, but also in other fields, PM Lukšić noted, hoping that the economic cooperation could be even more fruitful in the coming period.

The Austrian Vice Chancellor pointed out that Austria has always supported Montenegro in its EU bid and is very pleased now when it formally starts accession talks, adding that there is a lot of work to be done on the way towards full EU membership.

Mr Spindelegger also noted  that he met with Austria's business people in Montenero who expressed content with their business operations in the country, which can serve as a good basis for the future economoc cooperation between two states.