DPM Lukšić at meeting of EP's Committee on Foreign Affairs: Montenegro expects EU’s stronger economic support

We are confident that the rule of law, economic governance and improvement of administrative capacities, represent the key principle of political stability, security and economic development of the Western Balkans, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration Igor Lukšić said on the ocassion of the meeting of the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the European Parliament, held today in Brussels.

The Deputy Prime Minister underlined the importance of the recent visit by Neigbourhood and Enlargement Policy Commissioner Johannes Hahn, noting that it offered an encouragement and an additional impulse to continue meeting the European agenda priorities.

“Montenegro expects stronger economic support of the EU to the region, particularly in terms of increased infrastructural investments in the region, as there is clear mutual interest,” Mr Lukšić has said.

Mr Lukšić noted Montenegro is currently revising its Program of Accession and adapting the Action Plans for Chapters 23 and 24 in order to make strategic redefinition of priorities and potentials for the next stage of the negotiation process. He emphasised that the country remains aware of the challenges ahead and are firmly devoted to intensive internal reforms aimed at tangible results in the rule of law and economic governance realm.

Deputy Prime Minister Lukšić also spoke about the adoption of new laws in the area of anti-corruption, as well as the work on improving the media environment in terms of media freedoms and ethical standards.

Mr Lukšić also noted Montenegro’s position in terms of regional cooperation and the need for closer cooperation. He underlined that Montenegro is fully aligned with the EU when it comes to Foreign, Security, and Defence Policy, noting in particular that Montenegro has proven to be EU’s reliable partner.

Deputy Prime Minister Lukšić will participate later today and tomorrow at the North Atlantic Council’s ministerial meeting between NATO and non-NATO foreign ministers, operational partners in the NATO-led Resolute Support mission in Afghanistan, as well as at the meeting of the global coalition for fighting the so-called Islamic State of Iraq and Syria.