President of European Council Donald Tusk: Montenegro can set example to other countries of region

Brussels, Belgium (26 January 2017) -- Prime Minister Duško Marković spoke earlier today in Brussels with President of the European Council Donald Tusk about Montenegro's EU integration, political and economic situation in the country, as well as the situation in the Western Balkan region.

President of the European Council said at a joint press conference following his meeting with Prime Minister Marković that, when it comes to the foreign policy, Montenegro is a de facto member of the European Union and that it can set an example to other countries of the region.

"In foreign policy, Montenegro is already a de-facto EU Member. You are steadfast in protecting our values and interests, your troops serve alongside ours off the coast of the Horn of Africa and soon in Mali and you apply our sanctions against Russia. I thank you for your loyalty and support. As I said last May in Podgorica, you have built your independence wisely and patiently, without needless victims. And after gaining it, you pursued good relations with your immediate neighbours in a most mature way. I expressed the wish that your neighbours could follow you on this peaceful track and turn towards the future," the President of the European Council emphasised. He added that nowadays nationalism and arrogant populism is gaining momentum in Europe, including in the Balkans.

"The enemies of liberalism despise our freedoms and free trade, they promote national egoism, speak of violence and disregard the rights of their peers and neighbours. They stand against your Euro-Atlantic future, they speak of alternatives to Europe," Donald Tusk stated.

He added that the European Union has the potential to unite countries and peoples in the region to overcome the hatred of the past for the sake of a common future and bring stability and reconciliation.

"Thank you for your efforts, Mr Prime Minister. Not only for me, but in Brussels and in Europe, Montenegro is the best example that a positive scenario is still possible in our continent," President of the European Council Donald Tusk told the press in Brussels.

Speaking of European integration of Montenegro, Donald Tusk pledged his full support to the country by saying that this is in the strategic interest of the European Union. He said that Montenegro “remains a frontrunner in accession negotiations,“ and encouraged it to redouble its efforts towards reinforcing the rule of law and combating corruption and organised crime. He added that there is no dilemma that the Government, guided by Prime Minister Marković's experience and determination, will succeed in doing so.

The President of the European Council reiterated the European Union's view that the parliamentary elections in Montenegro under the new legislative framework were competitive and respected fundamental freedoms.

He said that the Prime Minister of Montenegro informed him about political and economic situation in Montenegro, noting that he encouraged Prime Minister Marković to foster a close dialogue with the opposition for the benefit of the whole country and to resolve some outstanding issues surrounding the so-called coup attempt.

Prime Minister Duško Marković said that Montenegro expects the EU will, regardless of the challenges it is facing, continue to support and value the results Montenegro is making. This will, in the Prime Minister's words, encourage the country and society to continue the reform process on the path towards the EU membership with equal commitment.

"This Government will be heavily focused on the process and it has established the ministries that will mainly deal with the negotiating process," Prime Minister Marković noted. 

He said that his Cabinet is dedicated to meeting the political and economic criteria of EU accession, as well as the obligations arising from the negotiations.

"In parallel, we will be strengthening our public administration's capacity with a view to dealing with both the liabilities that are ahead of us and the possible tasks and challenges that await us after joining the European Union and the obligations arising from membership," said the Prime Minister of Montenegro.

Speaking about the political situation in Montenegro, Prime Minister Marković stated he also discussed with President Tusk the October parliamentary elections.

"I pointed out that, according to OSCE and the Council of Europe, and the final OSCE report, the October elections were the best organised elections in Montenegro, with turnout over 73%, which proved commitment to the EU and NATO. I also underscored that the opposition's doubt in the transparency of elections are unfounded, and voiced the Government's willingness to create conditions for the resumption of political dialogue in order to bring the opposition back to the Parliament and contribute to the strengthening of democracy and the political system in general, as it is one of the key conditions of stability and overall prosperity," Prime Minister of Montenegro Duško Marković noted.

The Prime Minister said that today's meeting discussed in detail the situation in the Western Balkans.

"In that context, I voiced Montenegro's readiness to continue contributing to regional stability and cooperation as a key requirement, not for the sake of the integration of the Western Balkans, but for the quality of life, security and prosperity in the Western Balkans as a whole. Therefore, regional stability and general security issues in the Western Balkans should be crucial in order to ensure progress and secure Euro-Atlantic and European future. Montenegro will make a contribution in this area, within its capabilities and experience. Once again I thank you for the opportunity to meet with you. I appreciate your support and messages of encouragement," concluded Prime Minister of Montenegro Duško Marković at the joint press conference with Donald Tusk conference in Brussels earlier today.

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