Press release: Djukanovic meets Mirel

Prime Minister Milo Djukanovic met Thursday with Head of the Western Balkans Directorate at DG Enlargement Pierre Mirel and his associates.

Djukanovic stated that Montenegro could not have achieved such strong progress in terms of European integration over the past period, if it had not been for the cooperation and support of the European Commission and its office in Podgorica. He underlined that the new Government, whose formation is expected in the coming days, would also focus its efforts on European and Euro-Atlantic integration, as well as on mitigating the effects of the global economic crisis. Prime Minister Djukanovic emphasized in particular the strategic importance of the Western Balkans full integration as a precondition for stability of this part of Europe and Europe as a whole.

Director for Western Balkans at DG Enlargement Pierre Mirel, who is visiting Montenegro for regular consultation between Montenegro and the European Commission, congratulated Djukanovic on the successfully completed steps along the path of European integration, commending in particular the Prime Ministers position that Montenegro should not chase after deadlines, but work hard on meeting standards, which was the best contribution to the quality of life of its citizens, the press release said.

He underlined that Brussels particularly appreciated the Montenegrin Governments positive role in promoting good relations within the region and welcomed the agreement between Montenegrin and Croatian governments on an amicable settlement of the Prevlaka border issue.

Particular emphasis was placed on the visa liberalization process, which was said to be vital for the countries of the region and their citizens as an encouragement on the path towards European structures. Consideration was also given to possibilities for Brussels concrete financial assistance, above all by way of support to the implementation of major infrastructure projects in Montenegro.