Prime Minister Đukanović meets in Brussels with President of European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker

Brussels, Belgium (28 March 2016) - Prime Minister of Montenegro Milo Đukanović met earlier today in Brussels with President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker.

The Prime Minister, on behalf of the Government and the citizens of Montenegro, extended deep sympathy on the occasion of the terrorist attacks in Brussels and pointed out that, as a candidate country, Montenegro shares concerns about the threat to European values.

"We are determined to make a contribution to the protection of common achievements," said Prime Minister Đukanović.

He also informed the President of the European Commission about political and economic situation in Montenegro. He especially thanked the European Commission for its support and understanding for the country’s EU and NATO bids.

"We're making progress, whilst learning, strengthening capacity and adopting European standards. We are particularly committed to the rule of law, and after having implemented legislative and institutional reforms, we are now focused on achieving the balance of results," PM Đukanović explained, hopeful that Montenegro’s positive path and progress will be incentives for its neighbours.

The Prime Minister also stressed that the holding of free and fair parliamentary elections is most important political goal that needs to be achieved in 2016. In that context, referring to the political dialogue, he thanked the European Commission for having confidence in the capacity of Montenegro to successfully resolve this issue on its own.

"This will facilitate the future government to remain concentrated on achieving strategic and development objectives," the Prime Minister of Montenegro noted in Brussels.

The President of the European Commission expressed appreciation for Montenegro’s expressions of sympathy and support, noting that all European countries are affected by terrorism, regardless of whether they are EU member states or candidate countries. President Junker said that Montenegro is the most stable country and creator of stability in a very complex region, which is why good relations with Montenegro are of great importance for the EU.

Stressing Montenegro’s notable achievements in the field of economy, especially when it comes to the growth rate, the President of the European Commission warned the Prime Minister about the public debt growth and the deficit, noting that he understands investments in major infrastructure projects, such as the highway construction, which represent investing in the future.

Since Montenegro has been recognised as a role model in the region, the European Commission is closely monitoring the respect for the rule of law and democratic standards, as there is no economic progress without the rule of law and fight against corruption at all levels, President Juncker pointed out, at the same time encouraging the Government and the Prime Minister to continue implementing essential reforms on the path towards the EU membership.

European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker also said that Montenegro should demonstrate that it has adopted democratic principles and that it is on a stable European course. He expects that the European Commission will be able to welcome all the successes made by the Government, headed by Prime Minister Đukanović, in its November report on Montenegro's progress. In that regard, President of the European Commission said that he has been familiar with Montenegro’s development since the nineties and emphasised the role of Prime Minister Milo Đukanović in the country's progress achieved ever since.