Podgorica, (MINA) - Montenegro has the full support of the European Commission (EC) in its further progress towards EU membership, said the European Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration, Magnus Brunner.

Montenegro’s Deputy Prime Minister for Foreign and European Affairs Filip Ivanovic met with Brunner on Thursday, to discuss, as announced from Ivanovic’s office, Montenegro’s progress in the EU accession process and the further course of accession negotiations.

Ivanovic pointed out that Montenegro is strongly committed to fulfilling the obligations under the European agenda and emphasized that the Government’s plan is to close all negotiation chapters by the end of this year.

“He expressed the expectation that all EU member states will recognize Montenegro’s efforts and results and support the country’s European path and the clear commitment of its citizens, who support EU membership in a high percentage”, the press release said.

According to the press release, potential challenges that could affect the dynamics of closing negotiation chapters were discussed, as well as broader political and social importance of European integration.

The interlocutors agreed that any delays or uncertainty in the enlargement process could affect public sentiment, especially given the strong and long-standing support of the citizens of Montenegro for EU membership.

“Brunner emphasized that the European institutions clearly recognize the progress that Montenegro has achieved in the accession process and confirmed that the country has the full support of the EC in further progress towards EU membership and closing negotiation chapters”, the press release said.