For Montenegro, EU integration has no alternative. Focus of the conversation with Mr Olivér Várhelyi, EU Commissionaire for neighborhood policy and enlargement negotiations, were rule of law, chapter 23 and 24 and improvement of the ambiance for the freedom of media. We believe this year we can come to finishing measures in the most demanding chapters, said PM, Mr Duško Marković.
“I informed the commissionaire on the Government’s initiative for political and social actors of the dialogue on election conditions and all other issues relevant to our European agenda. The common interest goes beyond other interests. In that context, it is important that next elections are regarded as fair elections, a fair match. In the next, final and the most demanding phase of the integration process, it is essential we demonstrate political maturity and capacity”, said Mr Marković at the joint news conference.
The Commissionaire said that he was conveying a very important message to Montenegro – that it can’t be successful, unless we all work in the same direction.
“That means the opposition has to work on achieving success. I would also like to ask opposition members to cooperate with the governing coalition. The situation might be different after the elections, who knows. Governments come and go, but the country is always faced with challenges. I am calling on the opposition to take part in the elections in order to establish one national minimum, to make sure reforms are implemented”, said Mr Várhelyi.
New approach of the European Commission
Speaking about the new methodology of the European Commission, Mr Marković said that Mr Várhelyi had shared with him basics of the new approach and said that Montenegro would consider carefully all the aspects.
“Given the fact that Montenegro has opened all chapters, except for one, it has been stated that the new methodology does not refer on us. However, as responsible EU partner, it is our duty to consider the new moments and observe how this new approach can add more value to the negotiation process”, said PM.
Mr Marković holds that the process itself shouldn’t be bureaucratic and administrative only, but also essential and political.
Mr Várhelyi reiterated that he wanted at least one country to finish the accession process by the end of his term of office.
Joint opinion – reforms to be accelerated
Mr Marković and Mr Várhelyi agreed that reform processes “must be accelerated”.
“I told Commissionaire that Montenegro wasn’t standing with the arms crossed, but that it continued to implement reforms. Rule of law has been our focus, as were chapters 23 and 24 and media freedom. I firmly believe this year we can come to finishing measures in those most demanding chapters”, Mr Marković said.
The Commissionaire said agreed with Mr Marković that there’s need for reforms to be accelerated, especially in the area of rule of law and media freedom.
Law on Freedom of Religion – the question of national legislation
PM said that the Law on Freedom of Religion “was adopted in accordance with our sovereign right to regulate this area in compliance to the best international standards and practices, as well as Venice Commission recommendations.
The Commissionaire said it was a problem European Commission shouldn’t deal with.
“We’ve just touched on that issue very briefly. It’s up to every country to create its own system. But I’ll give you a piece of advice – this is very important issue for everyone and we are willing to talk about it. If we can be helpful anyhow, you can count on us”, said Mr Várhelyi.
Mr Marković pointed at the negative political and misinformation campaign our country is faced with.
“I pointed out that Montenegro is a safe and stable environment for its citizens and is facing negative campaign in a democratic manner, as leader in the integration process”, Mr Marković said.
Montenegro – the first country outside the EU that adopted S3
Prime Minister reminded that Montenegro was the first country outside the EU whose aim was to increase competitiveness of our country.
“We’ve also launched the initiative on the regional development project called SEEIIST, the goal of which is to establish research infrastructures for the South-East Europe. We’ve asked for the support and understanding of the EC and I’d like to ask you to be so kind to take this initiative into consideration as well”, Mr Marković said.
