DPM Marković in Brussels: Dynamics of implementing five priorities from EU package exceeds our expectations

Brussels, Belgium (20 November 2014) – Dynamics of implementing the five priorities from the EU package exceeds our expectations, among other things, thanks to Montenegro’s Assembly, which has put a set of anti-corruption laws into quick procedure, Montenegro’s Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Minister Duško Marković said at the meeting of the Working Group of the Enlargement and Countries Negotiating Accession to the Union (COELA), which was held at the premises of Montenegro’s Mission in Brussels. 

DPM Marković told the COELA's representatives that the 25th plenary session of Montenegro’s Assembly, scheduled for 25 November, will discussed the Law on Prevention of Corruption, the Law Amending the Law on Prevention of Conflict of Interest, the Law on Financing Political Parties and Election Campaigns and the Code of Ethics for MPs, noting that the Law on Special Prosecutor's Office is waiting for the opinion of the Venice Commission, which plenary session is scheduled for 12 December.

"We accept the member states’ suggestion that in implementing the five priorities the quality should be given priority over the speed. I am sure these are high quality laws, which had been drafted in partnership with the European Commission and the Venice Commission," he underlined.

Montenegro’s Deputy Prime Minister stated the meeting with the COELA representatives is being held halfway between the European Commission’s Progress Report and the December’s EU Council conclusions, that is, in an ideal moment to reflect on what have been done and to consider the challenges ahead. In that context, he acquainted the meeting’s participants with the activities underway towards strengthening the judiciary’s capacity and with criminal proceedings in cases of corruption, with special reference to the “Kalić” case.

The meeting also discussed the area of fundamental rights, in particular concentrating on the recently held pride parade and the current issues of media freedom.