PM Marković, European Council President Tusk: Montenegro successfully leads process of EU integration and is example for countries of Region

Podgorica, Montenegro (24 April 2018) -- Prime Minister Duško Marković and President of the European Council Donald Tusk noted today in a meeting in Podgorica that Montenegro is progressing in the process of European integration, that successfully implements the obligations arising from the integration process and thus represents a good examples for the Western Balkan countries.

The President of the European Council said that Montenegro is a leading country in the integration process. He noted that there is no doubt that Montenegro is in a good negotiating form and sets a positive example, adding that its work and success are not only important for Montenegro, but also for the European Union, as it shows that in a complex situation and in a complicated region, progress and positive shifts are possible.

PM Marković told President Tusk that Montenegro is aware of the challenges and those segments of European integration, where it is necessary to work even harder and more efficiently. In this regard, the Prime Minister praised European Commission’s Report as a useful document for further improvement and acceleration of our negotiating process.

“We have no reason to question the methodology nor the content of the Report, or to criticise the approach of the European Union. On the contrary,” the Prime Minister said, pointing out that in view of the forthcoming Summit in Sofia, Montenegro sees the decision of the European Union to deal with the Western Balkans as a great opportunity for the entire region.

“After fifteen years, we will again be with European leaders. The Agenda of the Summit is set realistically and objectively. The region must use this opportunity,” Prime Minister Marković said, adding that in the Western Balkans, thanks to frequent meetings of the leaders, a level of trust and understanding is raised, and attitudes about priorities that primarily concern the development of infrastructure are approximate.

Prime Minister Marković expressed his special gratitude to President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini and Commissioner for European Neighborhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations Johannes Hahn for their commitment to the Western Balkan region.

PUBLIC RELATIONS SERVICE OF THE GOVERNMENT OF MONTENEGRO