Podgorica, (MINA) – The EU must send clear messages to the citizens of the Western Balkans in order not to leave space for propaganda of the others, said Montenegrin Prime Minister Dusko Markovic in the German Bundestag, where he met with the European Affairs Committee MPs.
Markovic said that the EU must be more present in the public of the WE countries.
“And must send clear messages to our citizens about how much the EU invests in our development and their better lives, on a daily basis if necessary”, the Montenegrins PM said.
He, according to the government’s press release, said that the EU and the Western countries are the largest investors and donors in the Western Balkans, but, however, it can be often heard from the region that the EU must be more present.
Markovic reiterated that there was more than €8 billion of investments in the last 10 years, adding that the trade has doubled and now exceeds €49.5 billion. He said that the EU is the main trading partner of the region and makes up 73% of its trade, and that the region has increased its exports to the EU by 142%.
According to him, the messages about the rule of law are not the only important messages that must be sent: “But our citizens want primarily to live better and feel those benefits. The EU must be more present in the public in this regard and send clear messages to our citizens about how much they invest in our development and their better lives”.
He thanked to Germany for supporting Montenegrin reforms and said that Montenegro is looking forward to the growing interest and presence of the investors from Germany, as well as that Montenegro wants Germany as a partner, but also as a model and objective observer of opportunities.
Speaking about the EU integration process, he said that Montenegro is not calculating.
“Our orientation and course are clear. We are a country that, in all cases, joins the EU’s common, foreign and security policies, which has proven to be a responsible member and a reliable ally in NATO”, the Prime Minister said.
He said that the most important achievement of the Montenegrin government in the past two years is economic growth that exceeded all expectations.
Speaking about judiciary and the fight against organized crime, he said that it is evident that organized crime loses the battle with the state, that the institutions are getting stronger and more efficient.
Markovic remarked that the judiciary has strengthened its capacities and raised the level of efficiency and promptness, and said that the example of it was the last week’s rulings in the process of the attempted terrorism, which proved that the judiciary is immune to external pressures and that it professionally performed its job in the most complex trial in the recent history of Montenegrin judiciary.
Speaking about the media scene, Markovic said that the government, within its remit, is doing everything possible to improve the environment, including the improvement of the legal framework, using expertise and counseling of the OSCE and the Council of Europe.Longer version of article is available on a link MINA ENGLISH SERVIS
