Strasbourg: Strong support for Montenegro's integration path

Strasbourg, France (15 September 2016) -- Prime Minister Milo Đukanović paid a working visit to Strasbourg, where he delivered a speech to the Foreign Affairs Committee of the European Parliament, at the invitation of the Chairman Elmar Brok. He also spoke to the inaugural meeting of the Group of Friends of Montenegro in the European Parliament and met with Secretary-General of the Council of Europe Tornbjorn Jagland.

The meetings affirmed Montenegro's intensive and good cooperation with the European Parliament and the Council of Europe, as well as the country's progress in the accession negotiations.

The Prime Minister thanked the European Parliament and Counil of Europe for their continuous support for European integration of Montenegro. At today's meetings, Montenegro was welcomed as a leader in the integration and powerful factor of stability in the Western Balkans. They praised Prime Minister Đukanović for his leadership and vision that led Montenegro to NATO's doorstep and visible progress towards full membership in the EU

The Prime Minister confirmed Montenegro's willingness to open new negotiating chapters during the Slovak presidency and begin the process of closing. This expectation is based on the excellent results Montenegro has achieved in the field ofthe rule of law and implementation of comprehensive reforms.

He stressed that the support of the European institutions for the perspective membership of all the countries of the region is of paramount significance for stability, which is reflected in the stability and security of the EU as well. He expressed concern that, due to numerous issues it has to deal with, Brussels do not see this lack of logical connection. Therefore, he urged European partners to continuously hold the focus of the Western Balkans, stressing that the Berlin Process should be further developed in order to attain that goal.

A large number of MEPs took part in the debate and welcomed the internal political dialogue and establishment of the Government of electoral trust, which, inter alia, recommends Montenegro for further progress in integration.

Following PM Đukanović's address to the constituent meeting of the Group of Friends of Montenegro in the European Parliament, led by MP Ivan Jakovcic, the participants concluded that only few countries managed to bring together such a large number of MEPs. The main message from this meeting is that Montenegro needs to continue to work as before, and that friendly support in the European institutions will not fail. The Prime Minister urged the Group of Friends of Montenegro to visit Montenegro soon.

PM Đukanović also met with Secretary-General of the Council of Europe Tornbjorn Jagland, who welcomed the excellent cooperation established between the Council of Europe and Montenegro, and the progress the country has made during the past decade. The Prime Minister stressed that this is largely due to the Council of Europe's support and that Montenegro remains committed to its core values and principles.