College for Negotiations: Montenegro successfully completes second year of EU negotiations, ready for more demanding phases

Podgorica, Montenegro (27 November 2013) – Montenegro’s College for Negotiations on Accession of Montenegro to the European Union, chaired by Prime Minister Milo Đukanović, summarised on Thursday evening the 2013 achievements and exchanged views on key requirements in 2014.

It was noted that the opening of negotiations in five chapters and temporary closure of two chapters successfully completed the second year of Montenegro’s EU integration process. Apart from the negotiating chapters 5, 6 and 20 which are important for boosting economic environment, the meeting particularly emphasised significance of opening negotiations on the Chapter 23 and 24.

The start of negotiations in these chapters is a confirmation of quality nd thorough approach and work in these areas, and an incentive to make the necessary efforts to open other chapters and intensify reform activities towards meeting the EU agenda.

The meeting welcomed outstanding contribution of the Montenegrin institutions and organisations in meeting requirements for the opening of these chapters, and highlighted the importance of maintaining a good pace in the coming period. In this regard, it was pointed out that the focus in the coming period should be placed on implementing action plans for the chapters 23 and 214, and Montenegro's EU Accession Programme.

The meeting also adopted negotiating position for the Chapter 4 - Free Movement of Capital, Chapter 16 - Taxes, Chapter 31 - Common Foreign and Security Policy, Chapter 32 - Financial Control, and Chapter 33 - Financial and Budgetary Provisions.

It was concluded that the track record Montenegro has developed in the EU accession process clearly reflects its commitment to the next, more advanced phases of the process.