The recent opening of two more negotiation chapters confirmed that individual results dictate the dynamics of the negotiation process and that the EU values the achievements of each country individually, it was said at the meeting of the Minister of European Affairs, Aleksandar Andrija Pejović, with members of the European Parliament.
Minister Pejović was met by the chairman and members of the Parliamentary Committee of the European Union and Montenegro for Stabilization and Association, David Martin, Charles Tanok, Jan Olbricht, Jozo Radoš, Alojz Peterle and Tomas Vejc.
"The MEPs praised the evident progress in the negotiations, pointing out that the results of the implemented reforms are the best indicator of Montenegro's determination to bring the accession process to an end, through the high-quality application of European standards and values, which ultimately leads to a better quality of life for all Montenegrin citizens. They pointed out that Montenegro has full the support of the European Parliament for the upcoming stages of the accession process. In this sense, they expressed satisfaction with the EU's increased attention to the Western Balkans, which is particularly evident from the latest messages of European leaders, and expressed the expectation that the Union will especially underline the importance of the enlargement to the Western Balkans. They especially praised the regional cooperation and contribution of Montenegro to the improvement of good-neighborly relations, as well as the transfer of knowledge and experience from the Montenegrin negotiation process to the neighbors, which confirms the leadership position of Montenegro, but also strengthens the overall capacity of the region in the process of European integration," the Ministry of European Affairs said in a statement.
Minister Pejović emphasized the Government's commitment to comprehensive, political and economic reforms, as well as to strengthening overall capacities for the successful completion of the accession process.
"He informed the interlocutors of Montenegro's readiness to open the remaining three chapters as soon as possible and begin the intensive phase of temporarily closing all chapters. He said that the next year will be crucial, bearing in mind the support of the EU and the member states for the enlargement policy, as well as internal resolution to bring the started reform processes to an end. In this sense, he expressed the expectation that in 2018, after the successful rounding off of the previous work, the completion of benchmarks in chapters 23 and 24 will follow, as well as the gradual temporary closure of other negotiation areas. In the continuation of the talks, they exchanged opinions regarding progress in the field of the environment, cooperation with non-governmental organizations, development of tourism, as well as the importance of the return of the opposition to the Parliament, and the influence of third powers on events in the region", concluded the MEP.
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