Podgorica, (MINA) - The Committee of Permanent Representatives of the European Union (COREPER) approved on Wednesday the formation of an ad hoc working party tasked with drafting Montenegro’s Accession Treaty, thus making a key step towards the end of the negotiation process, announced Minister of European Affairs Maida Gorcevic.

She said that this is a historic moment and the final step towards Montenegro’s full EU membership, as well as that it comes as a clear signal and confirmation of the EU’s strong support for progress achieved in the previous period.

“Great news is coming from Brussels. The formation of the Working Party for the Drafting of the Accession Treaty is another confirmation that we are on the right track for Montenegro to become the 28th member of the EU by 2028”, Gorcevic said.

She added that the formation of an ad hoc working party is a standard practice in the enlargement process, but that at this moment, after many years, it carries strong political message and confirms that the EU has confidence in the Government that the negotiation process will end within the planned timeframe, by the end of the year.

Gorcevic clarified that the task of this group will be to coordinate the final legal and technical preparation of the treaty, including the definition of transition periods and protective mechanisms, to ensure the gradual and sustainable Montenegro’s entry into the legal and institutional framework of the EU.

The press release states that the Accession Treaty is being prepared in parallel with the final phase of the negotiation process, but that it will be finalized only after the closing of all negotiation chapters.

“This means that Montenegro must demonstrate full alignment of its legislation with the EU acquis, sufficient administrative capacities for its implementation, as well as a clear plan for financing and implementing the obligations”, the press release says.