Brussels: Montenegro makes notable achievements towards NATO accession

Brussels, Belgium (7 July 2015) – Meeting of the North Atlantic Council (NAC) and Montenegro was held in Brussels earlier today as part of the country's intensified and focused dialogue with NATO. The meeting, chaired by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, was attened by Montenegro's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Igor Lukšić, and Minister of Justice Zoran Pažin.

Deputy Prime Minister Lukšić and Minister Pažin informed the meeting’s participants about the results of intensive reforms Montenegro has been implemented within the process of its accession to NATO, with a focus on the achievements of the campaign aimed at increasing public support and reforms in the rule of law.

It was reiterated that Montenegro is fully and irrevocably committed to its European and Euro-Atlantic path, convinced it is in the best solution for long-term prosperity and stability of Montenegro and the entire region.

Given the fact that NATO foreign ministers will meet in December to decide whether to invite Montenegro to join the Alliance, Montenegro will continue fulfiling the remaining commitments, ministers Lukšić and Pažin pointed out. They also said that the reform process will not last a limited period of time and that it will be continued after the expected invitation is received, especially in terms the EU integration. 

NAC member states commended significant and notable progress that has been made in all four key areas, showing that Montenegro is on the right track to receive the membership invitation in December. In particular, the meeting welcomed the recent election of special prosecutor and special prosecutors for combating organised crime, corruption, terrorism and war crimes, as well as soon establishment of the Anti-Corruption Agency. 

The North Atlantic Council also commended the results achieved in the reform of the judiciary and encouraged further activities in this area. In terms of public support, the NAC member states noted that the growing trend of support is very encouraging, hoping the NAC’s visit to Montenegro in October will additionally contribute to the support growth.

Deputy Prime Minister Lukšić and Minister Pažin also had in Brussels separate meetings with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg. They expressed satisfaction with recent successful visit of the NATO Secretary General to Podgorica and especially thanked for his support for Montenegro’s Euro-Atlantic bid, which is invaluable for the country’s future membership.