DPM Marković and EU's Dirk Lange discuss topical affairs of Montenegro's EU accession process

Podgorica, Montenegro (25 April 2013) – Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Justice Duško Marković met earlier today with Dirk Lange, Head of Unit for Croatia and Montenegro within the European Commission’s Directorate General for Enlargement. The meeting addressed the current Montenegro’s efforts in meeting requirements from the EU agenda, particularly in drafting actions plans for the negotiation chapters 23 and 24, and the report on Montenegro’s progress for 2013.

By the same token, the two officials put particular emphasis on the significance of amending the Constitution on matters relating to the judiciary, as one of the key requirements for successful enforcement of the action plan regarding the strengthening of judicial independence. They reiterated their expectations that Montenegro, through reaching a consensus on this issue, will demonstrate its full commitment to meeting EU accession goals, and all the stakeholders involved the necessary political and social accountability.

DPM Marković informed Mr Lange about the procedure of appointing a new supreme state prosecutor after the current prosecutor's terms expires. 

The meeting also addressed the recent presidential elections and the reports of competent international organisations, primarily of the ODIHR Mission. DPM Marković said that the recommendations from the Mission’s final report, will, as soon as they are published, be on the Cabinet’s agenda, with the purpose of adopting the action plan for their implementation.

Mr Lange welcomed Montenegro’s efforts invested in the overall reform of the society with the aim of joining the EU and voiced the Commission full support in that regard.