DPM Marković: Netherlands strict but fair partner of Montenegro

The Hague, the Netherlands (29 May 2013) – Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Justice Duško Marković met in Hague with representatives of the European Union's Judicial Cooperation Unit (EUROJUST), the Dutch Ministry of Security and Justice, and the Dutch Parliament.

The meeting with EUROJUST's Vice President Carlos Zeyen agreed the step that are to be taken towards the opening of negotiations which would lead to the signing of an agreement on cooperation between the EU's institution and Montenegro. With the aim of accessing the degree of implementation of the Law on Personal Data, it was agreed that the EUROJUST expert mission visits Montenegro this fall, so that the College of EUROJUST could, based on the expertise, propose to open negotiations on the cooperation agreement, which will advance the existing excellent cooperation between Montenegro and the EUROJUST.

At the meeting with Dutch State Secretary for Security and Justice Fred Taveen, DPM Marković thanked the Kingdom of Netherlands for supporting Montenegro's reform process, pointing out that this country is “a strict, but fair partner of Montenegro”. He particularly emphasised the Dutch support in protecting and promoting  human rights, especially of the vulnerable groups such as LGBT population. Mr Taveen welcomed the adoption of the Strategy for Improving Quality of Life of LGBT population and commended Montenegro's achievements in this area.

At the meeting with the representatives of the Netherlands Parliamentary Committee for European Affairs, DPM Marković announced that the action plans for negotiations chapters 23 and 24 will be submitted to the European Commission by the end of June, and that the constitutional amendments, which are crucial for the continuation of reforms in strengtening rule of law, are expected to be adopted by the end of July.

He also informed the Dutch parliamentarians about the anti-corruption reforms, focusing on legal solutions in the areas of funding political parties, preventing conflict of interest and public procurements.

Lecture by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Justice Duško Marković at the Dutch Institute Klingendael