PM Marković, delegation of MEPs: EU needs to send clear and encouraging messages to Western Balkans about its European perspective

Podgorica, Montenegro (18 December 2017) -- Prime Minister Duško Marković hosted earlier today the Delegation of the European Parliament for Relations with Montenegro, headed by Co-Chairman of the EU-Montenegro Stabilisation and Association Parliamentary Committee (SAPC) David Martin.

Both sides concluded that the European Union's policy towards enlargement and the Western Balkans is one of the key policies of the Union, and given the fact that all the countries of the region have chosen a European and pro-Western course, the EU needs to send clear and encouraging messages to the Western Balkans about its European perspective.

"Although the region is facing different political challenges, the EU needs to send strong, brave and decisive messages to the Western Balkans in 2018 regarding its European perspective. Bureaucratic procedures must not diminish the essence," said the Prime Minister of Montenegro, adding that, on the other hand, the region's leaders are expected to take responsible decisions and overcome the challenges.

Speaking about the European integration process of the country, Prime Minister Duško Marković reiterated that Montenegro has already chosen its strategic direction - Euro-Atlantic and European accession - which, along with the policy of good neighbourly relations and good relations with the countries of the region, are the cornerstones of Montenegro's policy.

Head of the delegation of MEPs David Martin agreed that it is crucial to continue with the EU enlargement process and encourage the countries of the region to pursue reforms from the European agenda, emphasising that the European Parliament shares the view that the Western Balkans needs to be one of the priorities of the Union and that each state's evaluation should be based on individual merits.

Speaking about Montenegro, David Martin, MEP, said that there is no doubt that Montenegro is the next member of the Union. We think that the progress you have made is excellent, he pointed out.

The meeting also discussed the Berlin Process, political situation in Montenegro and the current challenges facing the region and Europe.

PUBLIC RELATIONS SERVICE OF THE GOVERNMENT OF MONTENEGRO