Montenegro leader in region when it comes to EU accession process, European parliamentarians highlight

Podgorica, Montenegro (25 March 2014) – Montenegro’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration Igor Lukšić met earlier today with representatives of the European Parliament, led by Eduard Kukan, who chairs the EP’s delegation for relations with the countries of South East Europe.

The meeting discussed current situation and challenges in the EU accession process, as well as plans for the future and other important issues regarding European agenda and regional cooperation.

DPM Lukšić thanked the European Parliament's delegation for its support for Montenegro’s EU negotiation process, stressing the achievements Montenegro has made since the previous meeting of the Parliamentary Committee. He informed the European Parliament’s delegation about Montenegro's progress in negotiating the chapters 23 and 24, and he pointed out that, in addition to the opening of the seven negotiating chapters, the preparations for establishing negotiating positions for new chapters are underway, which will further enhance the dynamics of Montenegro's path towards the EU.

The European parliamentarians noted Montenegro is a leader in the region when it comes to the EU accession process and commended the results which continuously reinforce that position. They highlighted that it brings additional challenges as well, but that Montenegro makes great success in addressing them.