DPM Marković meets with Director-General for Enlargement Christian Danielsson in Podgorica

Podgorica, Montenegro (22 October 2013) -- Montenegro completed the preparatory phase for the opening of the negotiating chapters 23 and 24 by adopting the action plans for these two chapters, but also by a significant degree of implementation of the obligations arising from these documents, Director-General for Enlargement Christian Danielsson said at a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Minister Duško Marković in Podgorica on Monday.

He paid particular attention to the challenging areas of "Judiciary and Fundamental Rights " and " Justice, Freedom and Security", particularly referring to the set of laws that further strengthens professionalism, responsibility and accountability of the judiciary and to the recent appointment of the members of the Judicial and Prosecutorial Councils. He also underlined the activities aimed at strengthening the institutional framework in dealing with corruption and organised crime through establishing of a specialised body within the prosecutor's office and a single anti-corruption body.

In the context of fundamental human rights, the Director-General for Enlargement commended the successful organisation of yesterday's pride parade, which testifies of the Montenegrin Government’s commitment to protecting and promoting rights of the LGBT population.

Deputy Prime Minister Duško Marković informed Mr Danielsson about Montenegro’s judicial reform with a view to improving its performance in terms of the execution of court decisions in civil matters in particular. He also acquainted Mr Danielsson with the activities aimed at introducing the institution of bailiff into the Montenegrin legal system.

Both sides agreed that the achieved results in combating the most serious forms of crime and corruption came as a natural consequence of the activities carried out under the Action Plans for Chapters 23 and 24. By the same token, the two officials expressed hope that the success of the implemented measures will directly contribute not only to Montenegro’s progress towards the EU membership, but also to strengthening its capacity for democratic and economic prosperity.