PM Marković hosts Minister Kneissl: Austria has opportunity to keep EU enlargement policy alive, Montenegro is ready to open chapter 27 and start closing chapters

Prime Minister Duško Marković hosted earlier today Federal Minister for Europe, Integration and Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Austria Karin Kneissl, who is paying an official visit to Montenegro.

Noting that the two countries foster good bilateral relations, the Prime Minister thanked Austria for supporting Montenegro in the process of our European integration, and noted that Austria, which is currently holding the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, has the opportunity to keep the enlargement policy alive.

"At the time of your Presidency of the Council of the European Union, we want to keep the good negotiation dynamics – both of opening and closing the chapters" – the Prime Minister said, adding that Montenegro is ready to open chapter 27 – Environment, as well as to start the process of closing the chapters.

Minister Kneissl stressed that Montenegro, among the candidate countries, has a leading position in the process of European enlargement and emphasised that she is always strongly committed to treating the region as an integral part of Europe, which it already is. The Minister highlighted the need to strengthen cooperation among the countries in the region in the process of European integration, and urged Montenegro to continue the reforms, with the support of Austria.

Prime Minister Marković informed Minister Kneissl about excellent results of the Government's economic policy, as well as priorities in the upcoming period.

PUBLIC RELATIONS SERVICE OF THE GOVERNMENT OF MONTENEGRO