Podgorica, (MINA) – Montenegro has a real chance to close the EU  accession negotiations by the end of next year, said co-chair of the EU-Montenegro Stabilization and Association Parliamentary Committee (SAPC), Thomas Weitz.

He told the press conference following the two-day SAPC meeting in Podgorica that after the legislation related work is completed, five or six chapters are expected to be closed by the end of the year. 

Weizt expressed optimism that the negotiations can be completed by the end of next year, adding that there are clear improvements in the rule of law and the fight against crime and corruption.

He said that during the two-day meeting they dealt with important institutional vacancies that need to be filled, including those in the Constitutional Court and the Central Bank of Montenegro.

Weitz said they also discussed Chapter 27, noting that there are several pending projects, such as the wastewater treatment plant and other environmental issues.

He said that everything is not perfect neither in the EU nor in Montenegro, “but what is important is that we see progress that is taking place in the right direction”.

Co-chair from the Montenegrin side, Dejan Djurovic, said that he was satisfied by the positive messages he heard from EP representatives.

He said that the upcoming visit by President of the European Commission (EC), Ursula von der Leyen, will be an opportunity to review the results achieved so far, the prospects for further progress until the end of the negotiations and the fulfillment of all obligations.

“Her visit is another indicator of the EU’s commitment to the enlargement policy, but also to the implementation of the Road Map agreed by the Parliament and the Government of Montenegro for the conclusion of negotiations”, said Djurovic.