Progress in Chapters 23 and 24 is of key importance for negotiation dynamics

Montenegro, Podgorica(19 July 2018)-- The priority of the Montenegrin administration remains the fulfillment of obligations under Chapter 23 - Justice and Fundamental Rights and 24 - Justice, Freedom and Security, in order to maintain the good dynamics of the negotiation process and contribute to the further development of all segments of Montenegrin society,the Chief Negotiator of Montenegro with the European Union, Aleksandar Drljević said at a meeting with members of the Working Group on Enlargement in the Council of the European Union(COELA).

 

The Chief Negotiator emphasised that Montenegro will intensify work on the implementation of the undertaken obligations in the field of the rule of law, as well as on strengthening the administrative capacities of all key institutions with the aim of achieving measurable results on the ground that will qualitatively reflect on the overall accession process and the overall social environment.

 

"We are determined to implement all the necessary reforms in order to become a credible member of the European family. This demanding negotiation process with the EU is the most powerful mechanism for implementing reforms that will contribute to building a democratic and mature society with strong and effective institutions," the Chief Negotiator Aleksandar Drljević stressed.

 

In this context, Drljević pointed to the importance of the support of the member states during the entire process, stating that he was delighted with the messages from the highest European addresses that the EU doors are open to new members.

 

The Chief Negotiator Drljević expressed expectation that the EU will recognise the commitment and efforts of institutions aimed at meeting provisional benchmarks in Chapters 23 and 24, as well as in other areas, and that the next year will mark the temporary closure of individual chapters. "I am sure this will give a significant impetus to the whole process, which will stimulate not only Montenegro, but other countries from the Western Balkans," the main Negotiator underlined.

 

The Negotiator for Chapters 23 and 24, Marijana Laković Drasković and the Negotiator for Chapter 27 - Environment and Climate Change, Saša Radulović, as well as the heads of working groups for Chapters 24 and 27, Tanja Ostojić and Ivana Vojinović, also attended the meeting.

Ms. Laković Drašković informed the present about the implementation of obligations in the area of ​​rule of law, stressing that a significant part of the work was completed, especially in the part of the amendment and adoption of new laws, and that the implementation of legal regulations will continue in the coming period, and that the focus will be on reaching results on the ground in order to realise the transitional benchmarks. She underlined that progress in Chapters 23 and 24 for Montenegro is one of the most important tasks, since the dynamics of the overall negotiation process will depend on this.

 

Radulović recalled that Montenegro had submitted a negotiating position to Chapter 27, stressing that the European Commission and the member states recognised and appreciated the efforts of the state administration to open this chapter by the end of the year. He pointed out that this is a very complex and demanding chapter, and that the challenges in meeting the obligations in that area are coming after the opening of the chapter.

 

Members of the Working Group for enlargement, welcomed the results of the integration process so far and asserted that Montenegro has the full support of all member states to continue the implementation of the necessary reforms and achieve full membership in the EU.

 

SECRETARIAT – GENERAL OF THE GOVERNMENT OF MONTENEGRO

INFORMATION PUBLIC DEPARTMENT ON THE EUROPEAN UNION AND THE PROCESS OF ACCESS TO THE EUROPEAN UNION