Pejović, Mikser: Estonia supports European integration of Montenegro

Podgorica, Montenegro (20 February 2017) -- Minister of European Affairs Aleksandar Andrija Pejović met today with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Estonia Sven Mikser.

The officials exchanged opinions on the progress of Montenegro in the accession negotiations, focusing on the commitments and plans by the end of 2017.

Minister Pejović thanked Estonia for cooperation and political and expert assistance in the field of European integration, reminding that Estonia was the first country to ratify the Stabilisation and Association Agreement between Montenegro and the EU in November 2007. He said that Montenegro will meet the benchmarks to open remaining negotiation chapters by this summer. Minister Pejović also expressed expectations that Estonia will support Montenegro's efforts to maintain the good pace of progress towards membership.

Minister Mikser welcomed the results achieved, emphasising that Montenegro has made a significant step forward in the adoption and implementation of European policies and values during the five years of conducting the accession negotiations, so the positive changes are visible in many areas. He said that Estonia will continue to provide all necessary support to Montenegro in meeting the requirements for membership. Minister Mikser particularly stressed the readiness of Estonia to contribute to further progress of Montenegro to full membership through the conveying of conferences to open and close negotiation chapters during the EU presidency in the second half of the year.

In this respect, the officials exchanged views on the promotion of cooperation in several areas of the Aquis, agreeing on the need for its intensification through the use of TWINNING and TAIEX support programmes.