Montenegro remains on its European path, committed to dynamizing reforms and regional cooperation. MrOlivér Várhelyi’s visit to the region is very important, that was the conclusion of the meeting between Mr Milo Đukanović and Mr Olivér Várhelyi which was held in Podgorica today.
President Đukanović welcomed Commissioner Várhelyi ‘s visit to the Region, which came immediately after the publication of the Progress Report, which, along with encouraging messages from EC officials in relation to the WB’s European perspective, is an additional incentive.
He informed the EU Commissioner about the current post-election context in Montenegro, emphasizing that Montenegro has shown that its democratic capacity for a peaceful transition of power is at a much higher level than expected and reaffirmed its commitment to support any initiative and decision of the new government which is in favor of European progress
The EU Commissioner, while grateful for the comprehensive review of the situation in Montenegro, expressed satisfaction that the President will continue to actively participate in the work with the EC and in the enlargement process. He said that after the elections he should return to work and speed up the results, he said that the EC remains a partner, which is confirmed by the economic-investment plan whose goal is to overcome the backlog of WB, but also devising a recovery procedure after the crisis caused by COVID.
A package of support to the countries of the region, worth about €29 billion, can achieve an increase in GDP by about 3.6 percent or more, according to preliminary estimates; it will initiate private investments, infrastructurally connect the region, enable the creation of new jobs and encourage the development of skills and knowledge through the education system.
Commissioner Várhelyi emphasizes that all these benefits will require active participation of the new government and face-to-face work, in order for this plan to be implemented in the next 4-5 years. At the same time, it will be necessary to demonstrate the capacity to implement and accelerate reforms, achieve results in the area of the rule of law, the fight against corruption and a transparent public procurement process. This concept should be mutually beneficial for both the region and the EU, but not for third parties, and that is the only political condition on the part of the EC.emphasizes that all these benefits will require the active participation of the new government and face-to-face work, in order for this plan to be implemented in the next 4-5 years. At the same time, it will be necessary to demonstrate the capacity to implement and accelerate reforms, achieve results in the area of the rule of law, the fight against corruption and a transparent public procurement process. This concept, Varhelji points out, should be mutually beneficial for both the region and the EU, but not for third parties, and that is the only political condition on the part of the EC.
The President welcomed the messages on the new economic and investment plan for the WB, adding that it is an extremely valuable offer and opportunity that can contribute to the accelerated development of the region and make the WB more European.
