Gorčević meets with Picula, Miller, and Markovec: Anticipating strong momentum and measurable results

Minister of European Affairs Maida Gorčević held separate meetings in Brussels with Tonino Picula, Member of the European Parliament and Rapporteur for Montenegro, Marko Makovec, Deputy Managing Director of the European External Action Service (EEAS), and Michael Miller, Head of the Unit for Montenegro and Serbia in the Directorate-General for Neighbourhood and Enlargement of the European Commission.

Minister Gorčević briefed the interlocutors on the achievements in the first three months of the Government's work, as well as the key tasks and planned activities aimed at fulfilling the obligations that will lead to the finalization of the negotiation process.

With key appointments in the judiciary, we once again have functional institutions necessary for further accelerated progress in the rule of law. I believe that all three branches of government want to tackle challenges and fulfill all obligations on the European path with an accelerated pace. Decisions requiring a two-thirds majority have shown the necessary maturity of the Parliament, as well as enthusiasm that will be further demonstrated by addressing the remaining rule of law obligations, said the Minister.

Picula congratulated on the appointments in the judiciary, emphasising that stable institutions show they can fulfill important tasks on the European path if there is a strong will.

Now we expect a strong momentum in achieving measurable results in the rule of law. Montenegro must continue in a positive direction. That is the least we expect from a country that is a leader in the enlargement policy in the Western Balkans, said Picula.

Markovec stated that the appointments of holders of judicial functions confirm that Montenegro is ready to dedicate itself to the most challenging issues in the process of European integration.

Montenegro needs to seize the favorable moment in the EU and the political will in the country to accelerate its path to membership, said Makovec.

Miller welcomed the appointment of the Supreme State Prosecutor, emphasising that Montenegro now has all the key institutions needed for speeding up reforms and progress on the path to the EU.

In addition to the results achieved at the beginning of its work, he praised the Government for forming all the necessary bodies for the implementation of the remaining obligations in the rule of law - working groups for negotiation chapters 23 and 24, negotiators for clusters, and soon the formation of the Rule of Law Council.

The European Commission will work together with you on the remaining obligations, the fulfillment of which will lead Montenegro into the phase of closing negotiation chapters, said Miller.