PM Đukanović in Vienna: EU needs to pledge strong commitement to Western Balkan's economic recovery

Podgorica, Montenegro (24 November 2014) -- European Union is our partner with whom we share common responsibility for the future of the European continent. Therefore, the Western Balkan's future is largely dependent on the EU accountability in implementing policies that concerns the region, Montenegro’s Prime Minister Milo Đukanović noted earlier today in his address at the Vienna Economic Forum’s main session titled “The Economy is the Motor - Visions and Responsibilities in a Changing Time”.

He emphasised it is reasonable to insist on the rule of law as the Western Balkan’s key issue and that the criteria must not be lowered. However, the delay in this process is not indigenous product of this part of the Balkan, but it came as a result of centuries-old economic backwardness.

"Therefore, we need  the EU to pledge serious commitment and support to economic recovery of the region through the development of infrastructure in order to integrate countries of the region and link them with the European Union. The EU needs to create an investment framework for the full integratiion of the entire region into the European Union," Prime Minister Đukanović pointed out.

He commented on Montenegro’s position in integration and economic processes, noting that Montenegro, from the least developed republics in ex Yugoslavia, became a state leader of the integration process among non-integrated countries of the Western Balkan, which economy has developed the best track record. Such development has been contributed by the consistency in implementing economic reforms, particularly in the area of advancing business environment, which was confirmed by Montenegro's its rankings in the reports of the World Bank, the Fraser Institute and the Global Competitiveness World Economic Forum, PM Đukanović said.

It is of utmost importance for Montenegro, as well as for the region, the Prime Minister underscored, to overcome decades of backwardness and achieve higher economic growth, for which there are enought resources and initial skills, as well as the know-how necessary for catching up with the developed parts of Europe.

"Commitment to challenges of the rule of law, increasing GDP and strengthening entrepreneurial culture, remain our priority. We must as quickly as possible reform the unsustainable pension systems, harmonise the education policy with the labour market, raise the level of health care, improve the business environment and boost competitiveness in relation to the economy of Europe," Prime Minister Milo Đukanović concluded.