PM Duško Marković meets with EC President Jean-Claude Juncker

Brussels, Belgium (26 January 2017) – President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker said today at the meeting with Prime Minister Duško Marković that he was impressed with Montenegro's progress and commended the fiscal consolidation plan that was developed late last year.

Prime Minister Marković said that the Government was committed to the stabilisation of public finances, putting under control the public debt and deficit reduction. He also noted that this year's GDP growth is expected to be about three percent.

The Prime Minister emphasised Government's strong commitment to the continuation of European integration and expressed hope of opening new chapters, but also the beginning of closing negotiation chapters, mentioning the chapter that treats the Common Foreign and Security Policy.

European Commission President also praised the progress made in this field.

The two officials agreed that further work on strengthening the rule of law and the fight against corruption and organised crime was needed.

PM Marković assessed that for the stability and security of the Western Balkans was extremely important that EU's door remain open. Mr Juncker said that the enlargement policy was on the EC's agenda and that the Western Balkans has European perspective.

Prime Minister Marković met earlier today with Secretary General of NATO Jens Stoltenberg, President of the European Council Donald Tusk and President of the European Parliament Antonio Tajani.

PUBLIC RELATIONS SERVICE OF THE GOVERNMENT OF MONTENEGRO