The Head of the Delegation of the European Union in Montenegro, Aivo Orav, expects that Romania, during its presidency of the Council of the EU, will provide very good results in the field of EU enlargement, which is particularly important in Montenegro.
"During the Austrian presidency, chapter 27 (environment) was opened, which is very complex," Orav said at a special meeting with the ambassadors of the EU member states.
He said that he is sure that in the annual report that will be published in the spring, they can report on the good development of the Montenegrin economy, "which the prime minister mentioned during his presentation".
"I hope that there will be positive development in the political field as well", said Orav, stressing that he hopes that all political actors in Montenegro will actively participate in the work of the Committee (for the reform of electoral legislation).
He repeated that their special focus will be on the rule of law and media freedom.
The Ambassador of Romania in Podgorica, Ferdinand Nagy, said that the first presidency of Romania is taking place in the context of important events, which will change the thinking about the future of the Union.
This, as he said, refers to the process of the exit of the United Kingdom from the EU, the transition to a new legislative cycle after the European elections scheduled for May 2019 and the end of the mandate of the European Commission and the European Parliament.
"At the same time, the challenges on the international stage demand an active role of the European Union at the international level," Nađi said.
After the introductory part, which was open to the media, Nađi will present to the ambassadors the priorities of the Romanian presidency of the Council of the European Union.
Prime Minister Duško Marković also thanked Austria during whose presidency Montenegro opened a very important chapter 27 - environment and climate change.
"Cooperation with the troika, represented by Finland and Croatia in addition to Romania, represents an additional opportunity for us in the coming period, because all three countries are our friends and partners, who understand the Western Balkans and Montenegro, as well as the importance of the enlargement policy," he pointed out. Markovic.
He said that Romania will have difficult tasks during the presidency, and that is why he appreciates that the issue of enlargement is among the priorities.
"We will follow, but we will not be burdened by internal events in the EU. The priorities of the Union will be determined by its citizens, and we believe that the enlargement policy will be one of the goals of the EU even after the elections for the European Parliament," said Marković.
The Prime Minister assessed that the growth of the Montenegrin economy in 2018 was impressive.
"By quarter, it was 4 percent in the first quarter, 5 percent in the second quarter, and five percent in the third quarter. The gross income per capita also increased. There were almost 4,9 fewer unemployed people registered last year than in 10.000. The unemployment rate has decreased from 2017 percent at the end of 22 by over four percent," said Marković.
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