Ambassador Popa hands over Progress Report to PM Krivokapić

Prime Minister Zdravko Krivokapić met today with EU Ambassador to Montenegro Oana Cristina Popa. Ambassador Popa handed over this year's European Commission Report on Montenegro's progress in the EU integration process to the Prime Minister.

PM Krivokapić thanked for the Report, as well as the well-intentioned and constructive guidelines of the European Commission, noting that each new Progress Report is seen as a new chance for Montenegro to be better and more advanced on its path to the European Union.

The Prime Minister emphasised that the Government is fully committed to European and Euro-Atlantic values, which is reflected in the fact that the first item at each Cabinet session is dedicated to European integration. I am particularly pleased that the European Commission has stated that our foreign policy is in line with the positions of the Common Foreign and Security Policy of the European Union, said Krivokapić.

Furthermore, he stressed the importance of synchronized action of all three branches of government in Montenegro, in order to reach the necessary reforms as soon as possible.

Ambassador Popa pointed out that the Progress Report is an important instrument, i.e. a set of guidelines that helps Montenegro to adjust and harmonise its own system with the European Union. Although Montenegro has made progress in some chapters, the most obvious problems are visible in the area of the rule of law, i.e. Chapter 23, said Popa.

The Ambassador reiterated that Montenegro's foreign policy is 100% harmonised with the foreign and security policy of the European Union. The support of over 70% of citizens for Montenegro's membership in the European Union is a joint achievement. However, high support also means high expectations of citizens, said the Ambassador.

Prime Minister Krivokapić pointed out that the Government's policy in 2022 will be marked by three development programmes, namely: economic and financial "Europe now!", administrative and legal "Europe here!", and investment "Montenegro now!", stating that our country is optimistic and counts on a new Western Balkans Guarantee Facility.

Ambassador Popa cited the President of the European Commission during her recent visit to Podgorica: "We want you in the European Union", noting that this is a two-way process, requiring serious reforms, in which the EU will selflessly help Montenegro.

At the end of the meeting, both sides expressed gratitude for the open dialogue and satisfaction with the continuation of cooperation.