The influence from Serbia and Russia is getting stronger, and Montenegro must not turn into Belarus in the region, said Member of the European Parliament (EP) Tomislav Sokol.
He said this in the Parliament of Montenegro at the 22nd meeting of the Parliamentary Committee of the European Union and Montenegro for Stabilization and Association (POSP).
Sokol is a member of the Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ).
Sokol said that by attending the parliament, he sends a message of how important Montenegro is as a candidate for membership in the European Union (EU), but also that it is the closest of all the candidates.
He assessed that "the Serbian-Russian influence on the political processes in Montenegro is getting stronger".
"We can notice the aggressive policy of expanding Serbia's influence in the surrounding countries, which can also be called hegemonic. We have parties that are truly pro-Serbian and pro-Russian that have entered the government. This is something that is not a positive development and should be welcomed. We have seen a series of provocations in action - such as the adoption of the Resolution on Jasenovac. What is particularly problematic is that Montenegro has nothing to do with Jasenovac, nor was there any reason for it. Croatia condemns all the crimes committed in NDH .
He also referred to the announcements of the adoption of the law on dual citizenship, which he assessed that, if adopted, would lead to the fact that the government in Montenegro is elected in Belgrade and Moscow.
Deputy of the Democratic People's Party (DNP) Vladislav Bojović asked Sokol if he believes that genocide took place in Jasenovac.
"Your presentation is in line with the amendments you submitted to the draft recommendations. And speaking of them, I have the feeling that the DPS wrote the amendments to you, and you only signed them. If so, you are unworthy to represent the European Parliament, let alone to share lessons and reprimands, like some class elders. By trying to compromise the European path with various manipulations, you are compromising the European Union (EU), the European Parliament and the enlargement policy itself. I can conclude that you are the enemy of the European path of Montenegro," he pointed out.
As he added, Sokol took one side in the Montenegrin parliament - DPS, which is not in the spirit of the EU.
"There is ample evidence that when the DPS ruled this country, it facilitated or participated in the creation of the most serious criminal groups accused of drug and cigarette smuggling, and these goods mostly went to EU countries," he said.
Referring to the law on dual citizenship, he cited the example of European MP Davor Ivo Štir.
"He was born in Argentina, he is a descendant of Ustasha emigration, he received Croatian citizenship and also has Argentine citizenship. It is also controversial for you if Montenegrins in Serbia get the same right, and you have Štir in your ranks. How is this possible in Croatia, but not in Montenegro?" Bojović pointed out and added that the HDZ, to which Sokol belongs, accused Croatian President Zoran Milanović of being financed by Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Dejan Đurović, chairman on behalf of the delegation of the Parliament of Montenegro, proposed that Bojović and Sokol play a game of chess, because "Bojović did not hate the chessboard like some politicians".
He did not let Sokol replicate Bojović.
The President of the Parliament of Montenegro Andrija Mandić said that the Report of the European Commission (EC) represents an incentive to speed up reforms and full membership of Montenegro in the European Union (EU).
"I am pleased to have the opportunity to open the 22nd meeting of the POSP", Mandic said.
The meeting is co-chaired by MP Dejan Đurović, chairman on behalf of the delegation of the Parliament of Montenegro and Tomas Vajc, chairman on behalf of the delegation of the European Parliament.
Đurović said that various circumstances, such as the Covid pandemic, disrupted the holding of the POSP, but that today's event shows Montenegro's continuous and permanent commitment to dialogue and joint work on the European path.
Mandić said that he wanted to highlight yesterday's EC report, as well as that he was glad that a bridge between the government and the opposition was built in the Parliament.
As he added, the convocation of the Assembly that he presides over has contributed more than many previous ones, as well as that the most important thing is progress in the judiciary. Weitz pointed out that it is of crucial importance that both parliaments cooperate. He thanked the opposition parties for their cooperation.
The minutes from the previous meeting, which was held in Brussels in March, were adopted.
The Minister of European Affairs, Maida Gorčević, as a representative of the Government, wished the successful work of the new mandate of the European Parliament.
"Geopolitical events in the previous years led to the strengthening of intra-European solidarity and greater interest in the integration of the candidate states into a single security and political framework," Gorčević assessed and added that a year ago, a pro-European government was formed with the greatest support in the history of Montenegro.
She pointed out that more than 80 percent of the population supports joining the EU.
As she said, a particularly important incentive for Montenegro is the development plan for the Western Balkans.
"The achieved results are not only the Government's, but a broad consensus between the Government and the Parliament, but they are also the result of joint work with European partners who provided continuous support and knowledge to persevere and gave a new impetus to the reform processes," said Gorčević.
She added that the ratings from the EC Report are an incentive to continue the accession process.
On behalf of the Hungarian presidency of the Council of the EU, the country's ambassador Jožef Neđeši said that the enlargement process is one of the priorities of their presidency.
"The times we live in have shown us how important it is, but enlargement is a driver for improving economic and social conditions for all citizens through the exchange of knowledge and the promotion of the values on which the EU is based," he said.
Neđeši said that Montenegro has taken important steps, but also that he welcomes the appointments in the Judicial Council and the election of the Supreme State Prosecutor.
"In a geopolitical sense, the EU is more committed than ever to a partnership relationship. Russia's aggression against Ukraine threatens peace and security in the world," he said.
The Ambassador of the European Union (EU) in Montenegro, Johan Satler, assessed that the goal of Montenegro joining the EU by 2028 is ambitious, but achievable.
As he added, the country has shown its readiness to progress readily, especially in areas related to the rule of law.
Neđeši assessed that IBAR is a success as a result of the joint work of all parties, but also that it is necessary to work to resolve all issues with neighboring countries.
"We want the region to gradually integrate into the single market. The first concrete measure is the SEP - a single payment zone, which will increase economic growth," he pointed out.
The President of the Parliamentary Committee for European Integration, Ivan Vuković, said that the entry of Montenegro into the EU is the most important task of "our generation", as well as confirmation of the correctness of the previous generation that restored independence. "At the same time, the integration of Montenegro into the EU will be proof that the enlargement process is alive and will be a strong encouragement to everyone in the Balkans who believe in the European perspective", he pointed out and added that those who are trying to make Montenegro the next member are also aware of this, but and those who try to divert her from that path, as well as that he speaks on behalf of the first.
Vuković reminded that opposition MPs also supported the IBAR laws.
"Previously, with the participation of the pro-European opposition, the seventh judge of the Constitutional Court, three members of the Judicial Council and the Supreme State Prosecutor were elected. Thanks to all this, Montenegro received a positive report from the EC and the way was opened for Montenegro to close the negotiation chapters. This significant success Montenegro's path to EU accession did not mark the intensification of the mentioned process. On the contrary, only a month later, the Government was reconstructed in such a way that parties known for their pro-Russian and anti-European views became part of it our European agendas, topics that deeply divide Montenegrin society, threaten the democratic values on which it rests and spoil relations with neighbors have been pushed to the fore," he said.
Vuković cited examples of voting for the resolution on Jasenovac, denial of the genocide in Srebrenica, recognition of Kosovo, not voting for sanctions against Russia, announcement of the law on foreign agents...
"Such and similar moves, which are coordinated by the President of the Assembly, and on which the Prime Minister is silent, aim to raise political tensions and cause instability in order to slow down the European path. Such a Montenegro, without a European perspective, would become an easy target for nationalist policies from environments that act more and more aggressively in the pursuit of Russian interests in the Balkans," he pointed out.
He assessed that the European integration process of Montenegro is increasingly acting as a mere form, and not as a commitment.
"Montenegro is at a historic crossroads. There are two roads ahead of us. One is the road that leads to the EU, and it requires an exclusive focus on the negotiation process, i.e. a complete commitment to fulfilling the obligations from the European agenda. The other road leads Montenegro back to the dark nineties, years of political instability and ethno-national tensions. The pro-European opposition will continue to do everything in its power to make our country an integral part of the EU as soon as possible," he said.
MP of the Europe Now Movement (PES) Gordan Stojović assessed that Montenegro has shown commitment in implementing the reforms needed to create a society based on justice and democracy.
"At the beginning of the mandate, the Government encountered a lack of consensus on the rule of law, which lasted for several years before that. Through the constructive cooperation of the Parliament and the Government, we achieved the necessary majorities for appointments in the judiciary. Our ambition is to complete the entire process by 2026." he pointed out.
Member of the European Parliament, Tys Rutten (Labor Party of the Netherlands), said that he wanted to congratulate all members of the parliament on the progress achieved.
"The mentality of a checklist is not what we need - to just tick off what was done," he pointed out.
Member of the European Parliament Sunčana Glavak (HDZ) agreed that it is not the checklist that matters, but what is essentially behind it.
"Membership brings many advantages, improves many aspects of society, but all this must be maintained while preserving national identity and national sovereignty. The process of joining means strengthening of institutions," she assessed.
As she added, considering that she comes from Croatia, she wants to refer to regional cooperation, issues that have not been resolved and that will have to be resolved.
"How will media independence, not only on paper, but also in reality, gain progress and how will the suppression of disinformation be solved?" Glavak asked.
She assessed that a strong influence on democratic processes occurs in the so-called fragile democracies.
Đurović assessed that, regardless of the tones, he sees the attendees as partners who want to help Montenegro be part of the European family.
"Historically speaking, we have been Europe for a long time, and that does not mean that we are joining the EU, but simply that we have always been part of the European family. Yesterday's report from the EU, which showed significant progress, gives us the right that this will happen by 2028, and if it continues like this, I think it can be earlier. You know that this parliament passed 84 laws. That's why we got IBAR, which we are especially proud of. We are ready to close four chapters From 2012 to 2020, only three chapters were closed, which is very few. Europe. Not only we are affected, but also you, our friends from Croatia and Slovenia, who were born in the era of you know who," he said.
He reminded that the DPS signed a cooperation agreement with Vladimir Putin's United Russia, but also with Milorad Dodik's Alliance of Independent Social Democrats.
"I'm telling you that the majority of 52 deputies in the Montenegrin parliament passed it. A positive step forward is the opposition's vote for every European law. We agree on good neighborly relations, as well as the demarcation being to the benefit of both Montenegro and Croatia. We were not the government in 1990. year, and if we had, it probably wouldn't have ended the way it did," Đurović pointed out.
Social Democrats (SD) MP Boris Mugoša said that it is more important to talk about substance, not form, and that the essence is values, not laws.
Referring to the EC report, he said that the progress in two-thirds of the chapters was rated three.
"Compared to last year, in six out of 33 chapters the grade is better, in seven it is half a grade lower or lower, and we even have three chapters where we reached 'no progress' - grade two. We have not had such a situation, and two of the three chapters are very important - commercial law and competition. The average grade is 3,21 and that is an improvement compared to the previous period, but it is roughly at the level of 2016 and 2020," said Mugoša.
As he added, there is still work to be done, and laws will change because that is "the dynamics of life".
"Are media workers in a better position than a year ago? Is the NGO sector in a better condition? Are we passing more laws with public discussions and consultations more than before?... The answer is no, and that is the essence," he announced. is Mugoša.
Referring to the allegations that more chapters were closed in the last year than in the period before that, he said that in the earlier period many chapters were opened.
Vajc assessed that the Resolution on Jasenovac caused turbulence.
"I will not say that it is intentional, but the fact is that it is part of reality. I and other colleagues have made efforts to alleviate diplomatic disturbances. We had talks with Glavak and Sokol, and the fact that they are here today represents their commitment to supporting Montenegro to joins the EU. We need to have a debate, to be critical, but to refrain from blaming each other, especially on a personal level. about Štir.
Đurović said that it was his mistake that he did not interrupt Bojović when he mentioned someone who was not in the hall, but that he understood the reaction because Montenegrin psolaniks expect from the Europeans to see a positive impulse, and not to give a thumbs up and favor the government or the opposition in the parliament.
Member of Parliament of the Democratic Party of Montenegro Anđela Vojinović assessed that the previous years were a difficult lesson for Montenegro, because the institutions, especially the police, were abused.
"Those years, if they are not for pride, they are for learning. Today, we have learned something from that period and we have reversed the whole process where justice will not only be a word, but also a tangible reality. This is confirmed by the EC report, especially on chapters 23 and 24, where it was stated that progress has been made. We are convinced that appointments in the judiciary, along with a broad consensus, but also a determined fight against corruption and organized crime, are our ticket to the EU and to the recovery of Montenegro," she said, adding that the proof is that did not stop at the words of the fact that dozens of officials of the previous government were arrested.
As she assessed, the biggest step forward is personnel solutions, as well as the fact that police officers will have to declare assets.
Ruten pointed out that no society in the EU is immune to crime, and that it is a continuous struggle.
Independent MP Jevrosima Pejović assessed that Montenegro's entry into the EU is a natural process, and that there is no "anti-EU voice" on the political scene.
"When it comes to the IBAR laws, we are already approaching the changes because a few months ago there was no hearing from the objections from the opposition benches", she announced and reminded that the appointments in the judiciary were voted with the help of the opposition.
"Flirting with dangerous solutions such as the law on secret agents takes us away from the European path," Pejović pointed out.
As she added, it is important to follow European laws in cyber security as well, and that the agency that deals with it is located in the Ministry of Public Administration, not Defense.
"In the previous period, it happened that we did not have the possibility of control hearings. This is very dangerous. With this much support for the ruling majority, it is easy to think that there is no other solution than the one they propose," she said.
Glavak said that they too are constantly being examined for their reforms.
"The whole art of politics is in rational action. You will never be able to say, we have found the perfect law. That is why we have to question what is happening in the rule of law and in the media space," announced the Croatian MP.
She added that in every discussion they said that the citizens of Montenegro deserve the European path.
Member of Parliament of the Civic Movement (GP) URA Ana Novaković Đurović said that when the opposition points to things that could be better, they are characterized as opponents of the European path.
"I have to say that we also contributed to the unblocking of the fundamental deadlock in EU integration with concrete actions. In the judiciary, apart from appointments, I don't see that there has been any other progress," she pointed out.
As she announced, the fight against organized crime and corruption gained momentum during 2021, and that the current government has shown from the very beginning that compliance with the law is not a priority for it.
"The director of the Police Administration was appointed illegally, the representative of Montenegro before the Human Rights Court in Strasbourg, the chief inspector of the ANB was dismissed, and a whole series of other dismissals that are the result of revenge," Novaković Đurović assessed.
She pointed out that the decision for school boards not to elect school principals, as well as for ministers to lead inspections, is a step further from decentralization.
"When it comes to journalists and the media, I completely agree. We passed laws, but in essence, we have a public service under the influence of the ruling majority which, among other things, edits the program and here specifically, in my case, prevents the voice of the opposition from being heard in their shows," she announced.
Wejc announced that the Port of Bar has always been linked to criminal activities, and that this is according to reports, but also that the adoption of the law is good, but that the prosecutor's office and the police should be given the authority to implement it.
Sokol said that Prime Minister Milojko Spajić announced that he is grateful for everything Croatia has done on Montenegrin's path to the EU. "As for my speech, I don't have it written, so I don't know that DPS wrote a speech for me. I don't know where the idea that I promote someone came from. There are parties in the ruling majority that were invited to Belgrade on the occasion of Putin's visit. As for Štir , was not only elected in Croatia, but was elected as the Head of the EU delegation for Bosnia and Herzegovina. We can see from the report that there are certain problems with the quality of the courts and the composition of the council, he said.
He also pointed out the conflicts and accusations exchanged by people from the security apparatus with the former Prime Minister of Justice Andrej Milović, who "certainly played a big role in passing the IBAR law".
Đurović pointed out that there is no political option "for and against the EU", but everyone is in favor of joining the EU.
"I simply understand my colleagues that they avoided the topic when it comes to justice, crime and corruption. Given that they understand us best, they come from the country where the Prime Minister was arrested. We still haven't arrested the former Prime Minister, but the former President of the Supreme of the court Vesna Medenica and I understand why we could not get some positive signals when it comes to the judiciary. The former president of the Commercial Court Mr. (Blažo) Jovanić was also arrested," Đurović pointed out.
He added that Medeniča's son Miloš was also arrested as the leader of an organized criminal group, as well as the special state prosecutor and his assistant, two former police directors, the former head of the ANB...
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