Podgorica, (MINA) - The EU-Montenegro Stabilization and Association Parliamentary Committee (SAPC) welcomed the adoption of a set of electoral laws by broad consensus and called on the Montenegrin authorities to continue implementing key reforms in the field of justice.

With the adoption of a joint Declaration with recommendations, the 24th SAPC meeting concluded in Podgorica on Friday, co-chaired by Dejan Djurovic on behalf of the Parliament of Montenegro and Tomas Weitz from the European Parliament (EP).

In the declaration, the Committee welcomed Montenegro’s continued commitment and ambition to close the remaining negotiation chapters during this and the next year, with the aim of becoming the next EU member state.

SAPC in particular welcomed the adoption of a set of electoral laws by broad majority in the Parliament, which, after several years of stagnation, represents a key step forward in improving the legislative framework for conducting elections.

The committee encouraged all political actors in Montenegro to remain focused on the country’s main foreign policy goal and overcome political obstacles, taking into account the new geostrategic momentum for EU enlargement.

The importance of cooperation between the Government and the Parliament, as well as parliamentary parties, is emphasized in order to implement the outstanding reforms.

SAPC, as added in the declaration, encourages European institutions and officials, political actors, civil society and media representatives to strengthen strategic communication with the citizens of Montenegro about the benefits of EU membership in order to increase the EU’s visibility in the country.

The Committee called on Montenegrin institutions, political actors and civil society to build a broad and lasting consensus around the European agenda, overcoming short-term political divides.

The declaration welcoms the decisive steps taken by the Montenegrin authorities in the fight against organized crime and corruption, as well as the clearly expressed political will to continue this fight.

The declaration emphasized the need to protect the integrity of democratic institutions and the decision-making process in Montenegro from any form of foreign interference.