Minister Pejović in Berlin: Germany to support further Montenegro's progress towards EU

Berlin, Germany (2 December 2016) -- Minister of European Affairs Aleksandar Andrija Pejovic paid a working visit to Berlin from 30 November to 2 December, where he had several meetings with representatives of the Bundestag and Minister in charge of European affairs.

Meeting with members of the Bundestag, namely Achim Barchmann (Social Democratic Party), Rapporteur for Montenegro Manuel Sarazzin (Green Party), Thomas Doerflinger (Christian Democratic Union), Dorothea Schlegel (Social Democratic Party) and Josip Juratović (Social Democratic Party), discussed the implementation of requirements under the EU accession process, upcoming obligations and expectations regarding further dynamics in opening negotiating chapters and progress towards membership.

Minister Pejovic spoke about the election process in Montenegro and the formation of the new government, pointing out that the focus of its mandate will be placed on the implementation of reforms aimed at achieving the two most important foreign policy goals - membership in NATO and the EU, as well as the continued acceleration of economic growth. He also gave an overview of the political and economic situation and the relations between Montenegro and the region. In terms of EU accession, Minister Pejović informed the Bundestag members with the results achieved, particularly in terms of strengthening the rule of law, also stressing the good progress Montenegro has made in a number of negotiating chapters, at the same time creating conditions for new chapters to be opened by the end of the year. He commended the expert and technical support of Germany, which has significantly contributed to the fulfillment of obligations from the negotiation process, especially pointing out the important role of the Berlin process.

German MPs welcomed the results achieved, hopefull that the good pace of reforms will continue in the future. They emphasised that Germany will continue to support Montenegro's accession to the EU and, in particular, to assist the implementation of obligations under the rule of law.

During his stay in Berlin, Minister Pejović also met with Franz Neueder of the Office of the Federal Chancellor, and Ambassador Christian Hellbach of the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The German officials welcomed Montenegro's achievements and said that Montenegro's progress gives a strong impulse to the progress of the region. They noted that  Germany will continue to provide the necessary support and contribute to the quality and pace of the EU accession process.

During his visit to Berlin, Minister Pejović participated in the conference, sponsored by the Aspen Institute, which addressed the challenge Europe is facing nowadays, as well as the prospect of the EU enlargement policy.