Podgorica, (MINA-BUSINESS) - Montenegro is determined to fulfil all obligations from the accession negotiation process to the fullest extent, said Minister of Finance Novica Vukovic, adding that the strategic goal is for the country to enter the European Union substantively prepared, not merely by formally meeting the criteria.

At a meeting with Director-General of the Directorate-General for Enlargement and the Eastern Neighbourhood of the European Commission Gert Jan Koopman, Vukovic discussed the remaining negotiating chapters within the remit of the Ministry of Finance, as well as the intensive activities ahead related to further alignment of national legislation with the EU acquis.

The meeting focused focus on Chapter 9 - Financial services and Chapter 29 – Customs union, which should be the next chapters to be closed within the finance portfolio. 

Opportunities for more efficient absorption of funds from the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans were also discussed, and it was concluded that the proper use of available funds is very important for accelerating economic development and the overall accession process.

“It was noted that an intensive period of work lies ahead, but that there is also a clear common goal – the successful completion of the negotiation process and Montenegro’s full membership in the European Union,” the Ministry of Finance stated in a press release.