Podgorica, (MINA) - The Foreign Policy Committee of the European Parliament (AFET) adopted the report on Montenegro by Rapporteur Marjan Sarec, in which the country’s steady progress on EU-related reforms is welcomed, strengthened by its ambition to complete the negotiations by the end of the year.

The report was adopted by 56 votes in favor, seven against and ten abstentions, the RTCG portal reports.

The MEPs emphasized the broad public support among Montenegrin citizens for the country’s European path and encouraged all political actors to remain focused and maintain momentum towards the successful completion of accession negotiations.

Sarec said that Montenegro is facing an exceptionally demanding year.

“Time is short, and there is much work to be done. This report should serve both as an recognition of the progress achieved so far and as an encouragement for the period ahead. Above all, it should be understood as a call to all stakeholders to excercise wisdom and responsibility, to ensure that minor disputes do not overshadow – or derail – the broader strategic objectives”, pointed out Sarec.

The MEPs said that, in addition to the technical reform benchmarks, the strategic European orientation and unwavering commitment by Montenegrin political representatives to the independent statehood of the country remain key political criteria in the EU accession process.

The report calls on all state authorities to ensure political differences do not delay the adoption and implementation of EU-related reforms.

In the report, the Montenegrin Parliament and Government are invited to prevent identity politics from diverting attention from the EU agenda.

In the adopted amendments, MEPs call for faster appointment of judges, through merit-based and transparent procedures, without political influence, including appointments in the Constitutional Court and the Judicial and Prosecutorial Council.

The document expressed serious concern over the continuous delay in the appointment of judges of the Constitutional Cour, as well as about the adoption of amendments to the Law on Internal Affairs and the Law on the National Security Agency (ANB) despite strong criticism from the opposition and civil society.

The EP also called for the intensification of reforms, especially in chapters 23 and 24, as well as for final verdicts in cases of high-level corruption and organized crime.

The MEPs welcomed Montenegro’s firm and full alignment with the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy, including restrictive measures against Russia.

The report raised concerns about persistent and intensified malign foreign interference, hybrid threats and disinformation campaigns by third-country actors.

The MEPs stated that these are aimed at undermining the democratic institutions of Montenegro, societal cohesion and its strategic orientation towards the EU, highlighting in particular the malign influence of China, Russia and Serbia.

The report on Montenegro should be voted on the form of an EP resolution at the June plenary session in Strasbourg.