Opening of EU accession talks with Montenegro was “a fair recognition of the progress that Montenegro has made and a potent signal to the rest of the region confirming that its European perspective is a reality and that sustainable credible reform pays off,” President of the European Commission José Manuel Barroso told a press conference following his meeting with Montenegro’s Prime Minister Milo Đukanović in Brussels earlier today.

President Barroso noted that the EU Commission “looks forward to continuing the cooperation with Montenegro” and that he trusts the Government of Montenegro will further speed up reforms related in particular to the areas of the rule of law and fundamental rights, and fight against corruption and organised crime. Mr Barroso emphasised the “importance of completing the constitutional reform, in particular to ensure the independence of the judiciary.” He also welcomed the wide consensus achieved on the EU integration and reforms in Montenegro, encouraging “all relevant partners to maintain and reinforce this European consensus”. He reiterated that the “Commission will continue to support and closely accompany Montenegro’s reforms in the accession process”.

Source: Government of Montenegro