Chief Negotiator Pejović meets with EU officials in Brussels: Montenegro to continue with good reform pace

Brussels, Monrenegro (16 November 2016) -- State Secretary for European Integration and Chief Negotiator, Ambassador Aleksandar Andrija Pejovic, met in Brussels with Rapporteur for Montenegro in the European Parliament Charles Tannock and Co-chair of the EU-Montenegro Stabilisation and Association Parliamentary Committee Anneliese Dodds.

The officials exchanged opinions on this year's report of the European Commission and the obligations that await Montenegro in the EU accession process, as well as the current issues related to the work of the Montenegrin Parliament and the formation of the Government. Special emphasis was placed on the work of the EU-Montenegro Stabilisation and Association Parliamentary Committee, and the preparation of the upcoming EP resolution on Montenegro.

Ambassador Pejović underlined that the European Commission assessment confirms the results that Montenegro has achieved over the past twelve months in all areas, and that it is the best indicator of the country's constant progress towards the EU. He stressed that the European Commission's report is a significant milestone for the continuation of reform activities that await the new government in order to bring the initiated reforms to the end and complete the accession process.

Mr Tannock said that Montenegro continues with good progress in terms of institutional reforms, and he cannot wait to see how things will develop in the coming period.

He pointed out that it shares the concerns of the European Commission regarding the boycott of the Parliament during the reporting period, pointing out that it was very disappointing to see that this trend continues after the October elections, which had been monitored by international missions, and assessed to have been held in accordance with international standards.

Political debate should remain within the Parliament and hereby I urge all parties to take part. Having seen such a large turnout at the elections, it was clear that there was a strong desire of the public to be politically engaged, and it would be unfair if their representatives chose to boycott the parliamentary procedure. If Montenegro should take place in the world as a fully established and mature democracy, it is vital for the country to ensure the functioning of the opposition within the Parliament to, Rapporteur for Montenegro in the European Parliament Charles Tannock emphasised.

Co-chair of the EU-Montenegro Stabilisation and Association Parliamentary Committee Anneliese Dodds welcomed the steady progress that Montenegro has achieved in fulfilling requirements from the EU agenda, which has been recognised in this year's report, hopeful that Montenegro will continue with the good pace of reforms.