Podgorica, (MINA) – Retaining strong and stable political support for EU-related reforms and decisions in Parliament, including constructive engagement by all parliamentary forces, should remain a top priority for Montenegro, particularly as it pursues its goal of completing accession negotiations by the end of 2026.

The EU Delegation in Podgorica said this to Vijesti daily, commenting on the opposition’s reactions to the adoption of amendments to the Law on Internal Affairs and the Law on National Security Agency (ANB), and the decision of the Democratic Party of Socialists to leave the leading positions in the parliamentary committees.

The EU Delegation stated that the European Commission (EC) is aware “of the concerns expressed by civil society, trade unions and political stakeholders” regarding the recent adoption of amendments to the Law on Internal Affairs and the Law on ANB.

“Commission recalls that it was consulted on the draft legislation and considers that the data protection provisions are not yet fully aligned with the EU acquis, in particular the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Law Enforcement Directive (LED)”, said the EU Delegation.

They add that the Commission advised that Montenegro should ensure full alignment with the EU acquis, either before the adoption of the legislation or through timely adjustments before the closure of the accession negotiations.

“Whichever alignment mechanism is chosen, it is essential that the process be inclusive and transparent, with meaningful involvement of the opposition”, said the EU Delegation.

When asked to comment on the allegations that cabinet of EC President Ursula von der Leyen requested of President of Montenegro Jakov Milatovic to mediate between the government and the opposition, the Delegation denied the claims.

They highlighted that the Commission expects all political stakeholders to work together in the spirit of dialogue, responsibility and institutional cooperation to advance Montenegro's accession process.

They also stressed that the Commission did not call for the revocation of the disputed legislation.