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Montenegro opens Chapter 8, shows its commitment t...
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Montenegro opens Chapter 8, shows its commitment to EU accession
Published on: Jun 30, 2020 • 9:00 PM Author: PR Service
Negotiating Chapter 8 - Competition was officially opened today at the EU-Montenegro Intergovernmental Conference in Brussels, which reaffirmed Montenegro's commitment to fulfilling its obligations towards membership, and the European Union's that its door is open.
Montenegro was represented at the Intergovernmental Conference by the Head of the Mission of Montenegro to the EU, Ambassador Bojan Šarkić.
Ambassador Šarkić pointed out that Montenegro is very aware of the importance of opening Chapter 8, especially bearing in mind that it is one of the most important and challenging chapters.
"By opening this chapter, we have closed the challenging phase of negotiations after eight years, and our efforts in this area have been recognised. I believe that the completion of the opening phase will be the impetus for the integration process and an incentive for continuous and diligent work on fulfilling the remaining obligations," the Ambassador said.
He thanked both the Croatian Presidency, which, despite all the challenges in the last six months, has never neglected the enlargement process, and the Member States and the Commission for their support and work that resulted in the opening of Chapter 8. "This is a milestone steps towards EU membership and does not consider alternatives. There is no alternative to the process of European integration and that is the only framework that guarantees the stability of the region, and thus of Europe. That is why we are sure that the presence of the EU in the region is of key importance," said Ambassador Šarkić.
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary and Permanent Representative of Croatia Irena Andrassy pointed out that the pace of Montenegro's accession negotiations still depends on its progress in meeting the conditions for membership.
"Accession negotiations are clearly progressing, slowly but surely, and we encourage you to continue your preparations with new vigor. The commitment you have shown in the past period, and especially your unconditional acceptance of the new enlargement methodology, confirms your commitment to Montenegro's future in the EU, as well as your determination to make progress on that path," said Andrassy.
Director-General for European Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations Christian Danielsson said that Chapter 8 is an important and challenging area of the acquis, and that the opening of the last chapter is an important signpost. He reminded that the overall pace of negotiations depends on the progress in the area of rule of law.
He added that the responsibility lies with all participants in this process, who should actively and constructively participate in Montenegro's accession to the EU. "All political forces in the country should make responsible decisions that will enable Montenegro to continue implementing reforms," said Danielsson.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Srđan Darmanović said that Montenegro has reaffirmed its foreign policy aim by opening all negotiating chapters, and that after NATO membership, it continues with full integration into the community of developed Western democracies.
"The future of Montenegro is in the European Union and we are convinced that the process of European integration contains transformative power that encourages the overall development of the state and society," said Darmanović. He added that, encouraged by the completion of this phase of negotiations, our country is even closer to achieving its desired goal - membership in the Union, and that we are, in that context, encouraged by the geopolitical orientation of this European Commission.
He thanked Croatia for its consistent support for the European perspective of the region, but also for the success of holding the EU enlargement agenda high during its presidency of the EU Council, despite the difficult challenges of the pandemic. "The stability and geopolitical competitiveness of Europe is inextricably linked to the successful process of democratic consolidation and Europeanisation of our region," the Minister concluded.
Negotiator for Chapter 8 Biljana Jakić noted that the opening of this chapter represents an important moment in the course of negotiations with the EU so far, because the only remaining unopened chapter has been opened.
"The opening of this chapter, which is very complex and includes the protection of competition on the market and the control of state aid, was preceded by a series of reform activities that have been implemented for many years. The activities were related to the development of the legislative framework in the field of competition protection and state aid, which is harmonised with EU regulations, " said Jakić.
According to her, the implementation of these reforms in Montenegro has created the preconditions for maintaining and improving free competition in the market, which will provide a business environment in which all market participants will operate under equal conditions, which contributes to creating an economically favourable environment for investment and investment security.
Photo and video - Minister of Foreign Affairs Srđan Darmanović: https://flic.kr/s/aHsmP9GkLC
Photo and video - Negotiator for Chapter 8 - Competition: https://flic.kr/s/aHsmP9Bv1C
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