EU supports further reforms and soon membership

PHOTO: Meeting of Chief Negotiator for Montenegro's Accession to the European Union Aleksandar Drljević and Head of the EU Delegation to Montenegro Aivo Oravo

In the coming period, Montenegro will focus on rounding up reforms in all chapters, with a focus on the rule of law, with full EU support, it was assessed at the meeting of Chief Negotiator for Montenegro's Accession to the European Union Aleksandar Drljević and Head of the EU Delegation to Montenegro Aivo Oravo.

Chief Negotiator Drljević and Ambassador Orav held today the first meeting after the establishment of the Office for European Integration. They discussed the upcoming activities regarding the fulfillment of obligations from the negotiation process, as well as the financing of projects from IPA funds, whose implementation is of great importance in achieving European standards.

An even more intensive and regular communication between the EU Delegation and the Office for European Integration was agreed, and the Chief Negotiator pointed out that the Office will work to improve cooperation with all other interested parties, especially representatives of the NGO sector and the media, in order that everyone gives its largest contribution to the integration of Montenegro into the EU.

"Our focus in the coming period will remain on chapters 23 and 24, but also on the implementation of activities in other areas, so that during the Austrian presidency it would be possible to open the remaining chapters and slowly start closing negotiation chapters," Chief Negotiator Drljević said.

Ambassador Orav said that he was looking forward to continuing cooperation with a capable, strong and experienced team.

"The EU has provided a framework for Montenegro and all the countries of the Western Balkans. It is now up to you to do your homework, and we are waiting for Montenegro to become an EU member as soon as possible. We have discussed the priorities, it is clear that Montenegro's priorities are chapters 23 and 24. We have also discussed the financial support, since the EU gives about EUR 35 million annually to Montenegro," Orav said.

Representatives of the EU Delegation encouraged Montenegro to continue reforms on its path to the EU, assessing that the progress made so far has been recognised and that the same dynamics should continue.