Cas Granje of EU Commission: Strengthening administrative capacities, use of IPA funds significant for meeting EU agenda

Podgorica, Montenegro (11 December 2012) -- Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration Igor Lukšić met with Director for Montenegro, Croatia, Iceland, and Turkey at the DG Enlargement Alejandra Cas Granje on Monday.

Ms Cas Granje congratulated DPM Lukšić on his new appointment and wished him every success in his future work. By fostering communication with all social stakeholders during his previous term, he contributed to achieving consensus on European integration, she stressed, voicing expectations that he will continue to do so in the capacity of deputy prime minister and minister of foreign affairs and European integration.

The two officials exchanged views on the overall economic and political environment in Montenegro, with particular focus on the EU agenda. DPM Lukšić said that the new government priorities remain the continuation of Montenegro’s integration with EU and NATO, as well as further economic recovery of the country. He informed Ms Cas Granje about the activities that are being regularly carried out in terms of decentralisation of the governing system that is significant for the use of EU funds.

Director Cas Granje commended the Montenegrin institutions’ track record in screening process for acquis chapters in Brussels, voicing readiness to continue to provide assistance to Montenegro’s further efforts in strengthening administrative capacities.

Deputy Prime Minister Lukšić said that the strengthening of administrative capacities is of great importance for small and young countries like Montenegro, adding that the next stage of EU integration process requires specific knowledge and that Montenegro will use all kinds of expert and technical assistance, in particular the IPA funds.

Ms Cas Granje pointed out that in the coming period all countries, including Montenegro, will have to make every effort to use IPA funds efficiently, as that instrument can be of key assistance in meeting criteria for joining the European family.