EU Chief Negotiator Drljević: I expect visible results in rule of law, EU integration is state priority

Chief Negotiator for Montenegro's Accession to the European Union Aleksandar Drljević said that he expects more efficiency in work and more visible results in the rule of law and that he insists on concrete results without any compromise. He said that by establishing Office for EU integration within the Office of the Prime Minister, coordination of negotiation process was raised to a higher level and the Government sent a clear message that integration into the European Union is a state priority.

"By taking over as Chief Negotiator, I was aware that a difficult job expects both me and my team, but I am determined to dedicate myself professionally and fully. Concerning concrete tasks, our first and foremost job is to coordinate the work of the negotiating structure in meeting the benchmarks of chapters 23 and 24 and to communicate and coordinate with the European Commission and the Member States. This, as it is known to the public, is one of our biggest challenges. However, after insight into the situation, I do not have the slightest doubt that we can successfully finish this job, with certain changes in the organisation and work of the negotiating structure," the Chief Negotiator told in interview with Pobeda.

The Chief Negotiator assessed that by establishing the Office for EU Integration within the Office of the Prime Minister, coordination of the negotiation process, as well as the responsibility for the implementation of the undertaken obligations were raised to a higher level, which further strengthened them.

"In that way, first of all, we have sent a clear message that Montenegro's integration into the EU remains a state priority. The new model will ensure better coordination of work, both within the Government itself and with other branches of government, but also with all relevant social actors, and contribute to faster and more quality implementation of reforms, as well as better results on the ground that will affect the lives and work of our citizens. So, I expect greater efficiency, especially in the field of the rule of law. Although there are significant results in all fields, there is still a lot of work needed to make the effects of changes more visible. What I want are concrete results and I will try, together with my team and the whole negotiating structure, to achieve that. There will be no compromises," Aleksandar Drljević said.

Aleksandar Drljević said that his motto above all is work. "Work, work and just work. This is my motto, that is the characteristic of this Government, and that is what is now most needed in the integration process. Finally, this is what the public, rightfully, expects from us. ... As a diplomat, during the previous period I had the opportunity to live and work in one of the EU Member States, Italy and to feel what the European quality of life means. That's exactly what we want for our citizens. I am aware that a lot of work still needs to be done, but the European standard of living is not an unachievable goal for us. But in order to achieve European quality of life, we first need European quality of work and European effects," Chief Negotiator for Montenegro's Accession to the European Union Aleksandar Drljević said in an interview with Pobjeda.

PUBLIC RELATIONS SERVICE OF THE GOVERNMENT OF MONTENEGRO