Closing chapters 3, 4 and 6 means simpler starting of companies, removal of unnecessary administrative obstacles and greater competition, but also more chances for Montenegrin businessmen to offer services throughout the European Union (EU), announced Minister of European Affairs Maida Gorčević.
"This means clearer rules, less risk, a more stable financial system and greater predictability for investors. This process brings uniform and modern business rules and fair conditions for everyone," said Gorčević at the opening of a panel debate at the Chamber of Commerce (PKCG).
The panel debate entitled Opportunities. Development. Integration: Montenegrin Economy Facing New Chapters was organized by the Ministry of European Affairs, in partnership with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Montenegro, the Ministries of Economic Development and Finance, and with the support of the EU Delegation through the EU4ME project, in anticipation of the closing of Chapters 3 - Right of Establishment and Freedom to Provide Services, 4 - Free Movement of Capital, and 6 - Commercial Law.
Gorčević stated that these chapters represent a set of very practical changes, which lead to easier, faster and safer business operations.
"EU membership will not solve all problems. Harmonization with EU standards requires professional staff, digitalization, and sometimes changes in business culture," said Gorčević.
She emphasized that all of this is worth it, because companies that align their operations with European rules become more competitive, not only domestically, but also in the EU market of over 450 million people.
"By closing these chapters, we are showing that Montenegro is not only harmonizing regulations, but is also building an economy compatible with the European one and ready for equal participation in the single European market," said Gorčević.
The President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Montenegro, Nina Drakić, announced that the closure of negotiation chapters 3, 4 and 6 is not only the result of long and complex negotiations, but also confirmation that Montenegro is progressing in areas crucial for economic development, investment security and strengthening the competitiveness of the economy.
"By closing these chapters, the EU clearly confirms that Montenegro is approaching the standards, rules and best practices of the single European market. These are not just technical criteria - these are areas that affect the work of our companies on a daily basis," said Drakić.
According to her, it is a process that unleashes the potential of Montenegrin companies to provide services throughout the EU, through simpler procedures.
"The closure of these chapters is an important achievement, but we should not forget that it also represents a new obligation - to continue with the consistent and continuous application of the standards undertaken, implementing reforms that will ensure that harmonized regulations come to life in practice," said Drakić.
She emphasized that Montenegro is sending a clear and strong message today - that it is ready, able and willing to be part of the European economic space.
"It is up to us to take advantage of this positive dynamic and together create a business environment in which domestic companies, as well as foreign investors, invest with confidence, operate in stable conditions and create value that is recognized both on the domestic and wider European markets," Drakić emphasized.
The head of the negotiating working group for Chapter 6, Renata Milutinović, from the Ministry of Economic Development, said that Chapters 3 and 6 most visibly affect the business environment, the mobility of entrepreneurs, the quality of regulations and the level of protection of all market participants.
"Chapter 3 opens Montenegrin companies access to the single European market, where entrepreneurs can provide services in 27 member states on an equal footing with domestic service providers," said Milutinović.
Montenegro has fulfilled all the final benchmarks in Chapter 6, and the Parliament has adopted the entire set of legal solutions.
"All these reforms do not only create a legal framework that is aligned with the EU. They create conditions for investors to have clearer rules, a lack of legal uncertainty and greater predictability in business planning," Milutinović added.
This opens up space for greater investment, a larger number of projects, and a more stable business environment.
"Chapters 3 and 6 have a common mission - to make the Montenegrin economy more open and resilient, with clear and modern rules for harmonization with best European practice," believes Milutinović.
State Secretary at the Ministry of Finance, Milica Adžić, announced that the free movement of capital is one of the four pillars on which the EU single market rests, while commercial law is the key to a stable, predictable and transparent business environment.
"Chapters 4 and 6 are not just administrative obligations. They open up new opportunities for investment, strengthening competitiveness and deeper integration of Montenegro into the European economic system," concluded Adžić.
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