Podgorica, Brussels, (MINA-BUSINESS) – It was concluded in Brussels that Montenegro closed five negotiating chapters with the European Union (EU), paving the way for the next phase of negotiations.

 

At the Intergovernmental Conference in Brussels, Montenegro closed Chapter 3 – Right of establishment and freedom to provide services, Chapter 4 – Free movement of capital, Chapter 6 – Company law, Chapter 11 – Agriculture and rural development, and Chapter 13 – Fisheries.

 

Danish Minister of European Affairs Marie Bjerre said at a press conference that this is a significant date for Montenegro and the EU.

 

“Today we are closing Chapters 3, 4, 6, 11, and 13. Each of them ‚marks a significant step forward for Montenegro toward EU membership,” Bjerre said.

 

According to her, this shows that Montenegro continues to make determined progress at an admirable pace.

 

EU Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos congratulated Montenegro on another important step on its path to becoming an EU member state.

 

“This is a major step forward and a significant achievement for the Montenegrin authorities and for the entire population,” Kos said.

 

Prime Minister Milojko Spajic noted that Montenegro today closed more than one third of all EU negotiation chapters and is the first country to do so since 2009.

 

“As a result, a total of 12 negotiation chapters have been closed. This shows that our work has been recognized by the European Commission,” Spajic said.

 

He stressed that the EU enlargement policy must remain one of the strongest pillars of the Union, and that today’s closing of five chapters with Montenegro further strengthens confidence in the entire process.