Minister Radulović spoke with Commissioner Várhelyi: Montenegro is clearly oriented towards EU

Minister of Foreign Affairs Đorđe Radulović spoke today with European Commissioner for Neighborhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations Olivér Várhelyi, via teleconference call.

Minister Radulović pointed out the importance of consistent and open communication with the EU officials, having in mind that EU membership is the key foreign policy priority of Montenegro.

“Our country is strongly oriented to build its future within the European family, according to public opinion survey, almost 80% of its citizens supports the Montenegro’s membership in the EU” – he stated.

The Head of Montenegrin diplomacy outlined that in previous eight years of negotiations we have achieved results but there is still a work to be done in the following period. On that line, he expressed that by adopting the new methodology, Montenegro has shown its commitment to the integration process, and as envisaged, by closing several chapters at once, progress will be more transparent and benefits of the EU membership more tangible to its citizens. “In that context, we are counting on a straightforward support of our European partners” he stated.

The Head of Montenegrin diplomacy emphasized that the rule of law represents the cornerstone of the social-economic progress. In that regard, he referred to areas of judiciary and prosecutor’s system remaining at the top of the priorities, thus conducting the reforms within those areas in line with procedures and in cooperation with international partners. “Thus, we have sent the set of laws referred to the areas of judiciary and prosecutor’s system to the Venetian Commission, as a signal that we are ready to accelerate initiated processes through dialogue with our partners” pointed out Minister Radulović.

Commissioner Várhelyi welcomed the Montenegrin undertaken efforts on its EU path so far, with a clear message that the Government may count on further EU support in conducting the necessary reforms. European partners, as he stated, are expecting the needed reforms to be conducted more consistently so as to fulfill all the obligations that originate from the negotiation process. He particularly emphasized the importance of parliamentary dialogue and judiciary reforms for the continuation of the European integration process.

“It is of vital importance that negotiation structure is fulfilled so as to produce continuity of communication and cooperation” underlined Várhelyi.

Speaking of pandemic, the Head of Montenegrin diplomacy introduced his interlocutor with the Government’s activities related to vaccine procurement, thus first round of immunization initiated on 20^th February, that was intended for the most vulnerable groups.

Commissioner Várhelyi emphasized that the EU is undertaking all the necessary activities with the regard to supporting the Western Balkans in areas of vaccine distribution and economic recovery caused by pandemic. It is agreed to continue the communication regarding the aforementioned and additional topics of mutual interest.