DPM Marković meets delegation of EU-Montenegro Stabilisation and Association Parliamentary Committee

Podgorica, Montenegro (19 May 2016) – Deputy Prime Minister Duško Marković met today delegation of the EU-Montenegro Stabilisation and Association Parliamentary Committee, led by the co-chair of the Committee Anneliese Dodds.
Marković briefed the delegation on the progress of Montenegro in the EU and NATO integration and on the results achieved in this area.

"Montenegro's efforts towards the realisation of the most important foreign policy priorities cannot be slowed. The fulfillment of the obligations of the negotiation process with the European Union has the characteristics of serious results, which gives Montenegro a special reputation of a promising candidate country in the Western Balkans," said Mr Marković.

Co-chair of the Parliamentary Committee Anneliese Dodds said that the European Parliament noted Montenegro's progress in almost all areas, adding that Montenegro is a leader in the region when it comes to the overall harmonisation of the political and legal system with the EU acquis. The officials talked about the achievements in the field of rule of law, fighting organised crime and corruption, and the protection of human rights, which are the result of strong constitutional and institutional reforms.

"Today Montenegro has fairly stable and independent institutions, with the first serious balance sheets in the fight against organised crime and corruption. Also, the latest semi-annual reports on the implementation of action plans for chapters 23 and 24 show a high degree of compliance, over 85%, and we are proud of it as a responsible administration," the Deputy Minister said.

Answering questions from members of the parliamentary delegation in the context of the current political process, DPM Marković said that Montenegrin social, political and democratic maturity shows new capacity which will enable organisation of the electoral process in the atmosphere of political trust.

"I am satisfied with the adoption of lex specialis, which will enable the implementation of the signed political agreement, and I am happy about opportunity that opposition participate in the Government and the state administration, because this is a new value for the political system, and I believe a good opportunity for the future of Montenegro," DPM stated.

The officials assessed integration policy of Montenegro as a policy of vision and determination that directly contributes to regional stability. The delegation particularly thanked DPM Marković on sincere and objective approach, and comprehensive assessment of the situation in the areas they expressed interest.