Podgorica, (MINA) – The formation of a working party tasked with drafting Montenegro’s Accession Treaty with the EU is an important signal that the country is on the right track, and that the EU will fulfill its promise that all 27 members will support its membership.

This was announced at the opening of the 25th meeting of the EU-Montenegro Stabilization and Association Parliamentary Committee (SAPC) in Strasbourg.

SAPC Co-chair Thomas Waitz recalled that Montenegro provisionally closed 14 chapters, noting that many remain open, but that this does not mean that progress is not being made.

He thanked the Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the EU for initiating the formation of the working party, adding that it is an important signal that all member states have agreed to it, and that it is a good indication that Montenegro is on the right track.

Waitz emphasized importance of completion of the electoral reform by the end of the year.

Head of Parliament of Montenegro’s delegation in SAPC, Dejan Djurovic, said that Montenegro still remains the most advanced candidate in the EU accession process.

“The adoption of high-quality, harmonized and applicable legislation directly affects the fulfillment of final benchmarks and the pace of closing negotiation chapters. Parliament can be a strong driver of reforms when there is political will and consensus”, said Djurovic and added that the parliamentary oversight role is equally important.

According to him, it is necessary to further strengthen the consensus among all political actors around the European agenda, noting that EU integration must remain a shared goal above daily political differences.

Montenegro’s Chief Negotiator Predrag Zenovic said that Montenegro is entering the most decisive phase of EU accession.

He said that for the first time since 2009, a working party has been formed to draft the accession treaty, which, according to Zenovic, marks a key stage in the final phase of accession, where membership is not just an aspiration, but a realistic goal.

Zenovic pointed out the key role of the Parliament is in the accession process.

Cristina Tzika, representing the Cypriot presidency of the EU Council, said that the EU enlargement is a key priority of the presidency, adding that Montenegro’s pace and dedication to reforms show that progress can be achieved with determination and commitment. 

Head of Unit for Montenegro and BiH in DG ENEST Barbara Jesus Gimeno said that Montenegro remains firmly on its path towards the EU.

She said that Montenegro should focus on three things – to maintain the speed of reforms or even accelerate them, to focus on the rule of law, and increasing public support for EU membership.

The EP’s Special Rapporteur for Montenegro, Marjan Sarec, said that Montenegro is approaching its final goal – joining the EU, adding that it is important that everyone continue their work.

Democratic Party of Socialists MP Ivan Vukovic thanked the European Parliament members and other EU institutions for their strong and consistent support in Montenegro’s accession process.

According to him, aside from technical work related to the transfer of EU legislation, there is not much happening in Montenegro at the moment that would indicate that Montenegro is close to joining the EU, and urged European partners “not to turn a blind eye” to negative political trends in the country.