Press release: Prime Minister Milo Djukanovic meets with Head of EC Delegation in Podgorica Leopold Maurer

Prime Minister Milo Djukanovic met Wednesday, 14 October, with Head of the European Commissions Delegation to Montenegro Leopold Maurer, who presented him with the Commissions 2009 Progress Report for Montenegro.

Ambassador Maurer noted that Montenegro had made good progress, the Interim Agreement on trade and trade-related matters was being fully implemented, adequate measures were being taken to mitigate the impact of the global crisis and international cooperation was excellent. He added, however, that further improvements were expected in certain areas, including the fight against corruption and organized crime and strengthening of administrative capacities.

Prime Minister Djukanovic underlined that the Government was fully committed to making further efforts to meet the political and economic criteria for EU membership and harmonize national legislation with the acquis communautaire. The Prime Minister stated that the Progress Report would be carefully considered, as was the case in previous years, and expressed readiness of relevant authorities to observe the EC recommendations.

He also informed Mr Maurer that answers to the Commissions Questionnaire on Montenegros readiness for EU membership would be presented to Brussels within a month and voiced hope that, based on the Commissions positive opinion, the EU Council would grant Montenegro a candidate status next year.

The meeting was attended by Foreign Minister Milan Rocen and Minister for European Integration Gordana Djurovic.