The Government will consider applying of the new methodology

He is convinced that Montenegro will be able to harmonize the model of the continuation of the negotiation process in order to best evaluate what has been achieved and to make the most of the proposed model.

"Respecting the results achieved by Montenegro in the negotiation process, on the basis of which it justifiably holds the position of a leader in the region, the Government will very carefully consider application of the new methodology and decide in the coming days whether we will continue the accession negotiations under the existing or new rules," Drljevic said in an interview with the Mina News Agency.

He said that following the challenges the EU was facing and which had to result in certain reforms within the EU, changes in the enlargement policy segment, as one of its most important policies, were also expected.

"The aim of the new methodology is, as explained by the European Commission, to facilitate the EU enlargement process, with more credibility for implementation of the fundamental reforms in the Western Balkan countries and introducing conditionality and reversibility into the process," Drljevic explained. He is optimistic about this initiative of the European Commission.

"We believe that an open exchange of views and further cooperation with our European counterparts on this issue will positively affect the continuation of our EU membership negotiation process," Drljevic said.

Asked if the new methodology will affect the speed of the accession process, he replied that Montenegro is in a negotiation phase where changes or a new methodology cannot significantly affect the speed, "nor our commitment to quality reform."

"Our commitment is the same - we strive to do better, and more efficiently, with the conviction that our results will be recognized and that the EU will adequately value them," Drljevic added.

He expects that, given that Brexit, whose resolution has attracted a lot of the EU attention, is finalized, the enlargement issue will regain the place that belongs to it.

"And to evaluate the achieved results in this process and to finally open the remaining unopened chapter and close those that are ready for it," Drljevic said.

He hopes that with the new methodology, progress towards membership will be faster, in line with the results achieved.

„In the forthcoming period we will surely analyze in detail whether the new methodology would secure this,” Drljević pointed out.

He further explained that the aim of the new methodology, as accented in the EU, was to introduce more clarity and predictability in the accession process, as well as to impose both positive and negative consequences.

“The methodology introduces the notion of conditionality and reversibility, while the areas such as the rule of law, fight against corruption and ensuring of the well-functioning of democratic institutions are high on the list”, Drljević clarified.

As he specified, this approach includes provisions for countries that fulfill their commitments, while those who are in delay or decide to abandon reforms may be sanctioned or block funding or negotiations.

This, he added, could result in reopening or resetting already closed chapters if the issues treated by them need to be re-examined.

“Having in mind that our commitment to the European Integration process and reforms is unquestionable, we see this part of the new methodology as an impetus to all states aspirants for the membership to effectively and efficiently implement the initiated reforms”, Drljević pointed out.

According to him, the second important change is clustering of the chapters instead of opening chapters one by one.

“Outlined as a way to simplify the process, chapters will be clustered into Basics, internal market, Competitiveness and Inclusive Growth, Green Agenda, Sustainable Connectivity, resources, agriculture and external relations”, Drljevic said.

This, he explained, will enable a stronger focus on key areas in political dialogue, encourage higher-level political dialogue, identify the most urgent and important reforms for each of those areas.

“When it comes to the improvement introduced in the negotiation process by this document, we see the intention to place the EU negotiations in the focus of the foreign policy action, both by the candidate countries and by the EU Member States and their institutions, thus raising once again this issue to the higher level”, Drljević said.

He is looking forward to the proposal of making the process more predictable.

"In fact, to further work on the identification of tasks and conditions for their fulfillment, as well as to intensify the existing communication of candidate countries with Member States and focus on the details of the process", Drljević said.

Montenegro, as he added, will endeavor to reap the benefits of this document, after drawing the final conclusions in the direction of all the stages and elements that will constitute the reformed negotiation process.

Drljević said that the new methodology is predominantly focused on candidate countries, which haven’t started negotiations yet, and is focused on the opening phase of negotiations in chapters, ie thematic clusters.

"It is clear from this that Montenegro, which is in the eighth year of negotiations that are conducted according to the most demanding criteria and with one remaining open and three provisionally closed negotiation chapters, is not eligible for the application of this segment of methodology," Drljević clarified.

On the other hand, he said, the document gives a broader perspective and opens the possibility of deepening and strengthening the existing negotiation process, "which we will certainly strive to use."

"We are convinced that it is in the common interest of both the European and our side to make this process as efficient and quality as possible to ensure the necessary level of readiness for Montenegro's future successful membership in the European Union," Drljević concluded.