Abazović meets with Varhelyi: Montenegro committed to strong reforms in the area of rule of law

Deputy Prime Minister of Montenegro Dritan Abazović met today with EU Commissioner for Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations Olivér Várhelyi.

DPM Abazović said that his visit was a clear indicator that the process of European integration, in addition to good neighborly relations and NATO membership, remains the focus of the foreign policy of the Government of Montenegro.

Abazović said that he appreciated the approach of solidarity and the wholehearted support that the EU, together with the member states, sent to Montenegro in order to overcome the crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Abazović stressed that Montenegro is committed to achieving its strategic goal - EU accession and to strong reforms in the area of the rule of law, adding that the fight against corruption and organized crime are at the Government's top priorities.

It is clear that in-depth reforms are needed in terms of the efficiency of criminal prosecution, but only in consultation with the European Commission and the Venice Commission, said DPM Abazović.

Abazović welcomed the European Commission's economic and investment plan for the Western Balkans, in which the EC provided EUR 9 billion to move closer to EU standards, primarily through investment and support for competitiveness and inclusive growth, sustainable connectivity and the transition to green and digital development. Abazović pointed out that the Government has proposed 10 infrastructure projects that represent a great chance for infrastructure, digital and green projects, as well as for closer regional connections.

"For Montenegro, as an ecological state, assistance for the Green Agenda will be of great importance, as well as for transport and energy infrastructure, digitalization, education and innovation," said DPM Abazović.

Abazović said that everyone should work on changing certain narratives in society, but also on the general affirmation of the process of Montenegro's accession to the EU, in order to improve the communication in negotiations with member states and Brussels. We believe that all candidate countries should be included in the Conference on the Future of Europe during 2021, in order to constructively contribute to the discussion on the further vision of Europe's development.

"The Government of Montenegro is ready to face its biggest challenges, but on that path we need support and clear indicators for more dynamic progress in the process of European integration," Abazović concluded.

Montenegro's Chief Negotiator with the EU Zorka Kordić and Prime Minister's Foreign Policy Adviser Vanja Radević also attended the meeting.