EU's Dirk Lange: European Commission wishes to see more progress regarding election legislation, corruptrion, attacks on journalists

Podgorica, Montenegro (6 February 2014) -- Opening of the negotiating chapters 23 and 24 is an award for all Montenegro has done in drafting the actions plans for the two chapters, Dirk Lange, Head of the Montenegro Unit at the European Commission's Enlargement Directorate, told the press conference following the meeting of the Subcommittee on justice, freedom and security in Podgorica earlier today. 

The European Commission has seen progress in Montenegro, particularly in the area of the constitutional amendments aimed at boosting independence and professionalism of the judiciary, Mr Lange stated. He also underlined the achievements made in amending the Criminal Code with regards to protecting whistleblowers, as well as in advancing police cooperation with the countries of the EU and the region.

However, there is much work to be done, he undelined, referring to the implementation of the actions plans, election legislation, monitoring corruption at both low and high levels, transparency in financing political parties and attacks on journalists.

European Commission welcomes the facts that the Montenegrin Government’s reports on the action plans and the action plans themselves are made public. Mr Lange said that he met yesterday with representatives of numerous NGOs and encouraged them to analyse those reports and make a constructive dialogue with the Government with the view to establishing a solid track record in the rule of law area.

As EU Commissioner Fule said at yesterday’s plenary session of the European Parliament, a “credible track record” means changing the way of thinking and bringing results on the ground, Mr Lange noted.

“It means a change in the relation between the state and the citizens, and political leaders working together for the good of the country. This is what we hope to see in Montenegro,” the Head of the Montenegro Unit at the European Commission's Enlargement Directorate emphasised in Podgorica.