“The opening of EU accession negotiations with Montenegro was an important signal for the whole region that the EU doors are open,” President of the European Council Herman Van Rompuy told a press conference following his meeting with Montenegro’s Prime Minister Milo Đukanović in Brussels earlier today. Mr Van Rompuy welcomed “Montenegro’s positive constructive role in the region” and he encouraged Prime Minister Đukanović to maintain these efforts. 

Montenegro's Prime Minister Đukanović noted that Montenegro is pleased with the quality of measures undertaken in the previous phases of EU integration, as well as with the role Montenegro plays in the region by providing an example of good and dynamic reforms aimed at ensuring EU membership. He informed Mr Van Rompuy of the new government’s commitment to Montenegro’s further progress in EU integration. 

Congratulating Prime Minister Đukanović on Montenegro’s “significant success in 2012 resulting in the opening of accession negotiations,” President Van Rompuy underlined “the need that Montenegro builds on the progress made especially in the rule of law.” He emphasised the importance of ensuring “accountability and independence of the judiciary”, adding that it is the responsibility of both the Government and the opposition to have a “mature political dialogue for the adoption of the constitutional reforms.”  Source: Government