Italian Interior Minister Alfano: Italy to continue supporting reform process in Montenegro

Rome, Italy (12 December 2014) – Montenegro's government pledges commitment to strengthening responsibility, trust and security in the regional context, through carrying out a wide range of activities in combating organised crime, corruption and terrorism, Minister of the Interior Raško Konjević highlighted at the ministerial conference in Rome, which marked the start of the regional project “IPA 2013 Western Balkans”.

During his visit to Italy, Minister Konjević met with his Italian counterpart Angelino Alfonso to discuss the implementation of the requirements arising from the negotiation process between Montenegro and the EU. The meeting emphasised good political relationsestablished between the two countries, particularly cooperation between the two ministries and police authorities.

In that regard, Minister Konjević informed his counterpart about the dynamics of implementing the five priorities from the EU Commission’s Progress Report, adding that Montenegro is willing to continue making additional efforts in meeting the temporary measures from the chapters 23 and 24.

Regarding the progress Montenegro has made since regaining independence, Minister Alfano underlined that the Italian Ministry of the Interior will continue supporting the reform process in Montenegro and advocating for the EU enlargement policy. He also stressed that his visit to Podgorica will be an opportunity to voice Italy’s support to Montenegro’s European and Euro-Atlantic accession process.