Members of the European Parliament will vote tomorrow on amendments to the draft European Parliament report on Montenegro, by rapporteur Marjan Šarec, reports the Radio Television of Montenegro (RTCG) portal.
The compromise amendments, which will be presented to the MPs of the Foreign Policy Committee, and which RTCG has had access to, state that the European Parliament recognizes Montenegro's firm commitment to joining the European Union (EU) and confirms its full support for the country's future membership in the EU.
Additionally, Montenegro's leading regional position in the EU accession process is welcomed, as is the overwhelming support of Montenegrin citizens and most political actors for EU accession in 2028.
Parliament encourages all political actors to remain focused on EU integration and the necessary reforms.
"(Parliament) Stresses the need for political stability, commitment and constructive engagement in building consensus across party lines in order to move more effectively and quickly towards closing additional chapters by 2025, with the aim of achieving the country's ambitious timeline," the amendments state, adding that the adopted reforms must be effectively and consistently implemented to ensure genuine progress and full alignment with European legislation.
It also calls for strengthening the functioning and coordination between state institutions in order to achieve political stability and continue significant progress in key EU-related reforms, especially in electoral and judicial reform and the fight against organized crime and corruption, the RTCG portal reports.
In an additional amendment, MEPs underline that the credibility of the European Union, including its enlargement policy as a whole, would be affected if the tangible progress achieved by certain Western Balkan countries is not translated into clear progress on the path to EU accession.
In the section relating to public procurement, a new amendment has been formulated in which Parliament expresses concern about any agreements or projects “that circumvent public procurement rules, transparency obligations and public consultation requirements, as set out in national legislation and EU standards”.
MEPs call on the Government of Montenegro to ensure full respect for the principles of transparency, accountability, inclusive decision-making and the rule of law in all public infrastructure and development initiatives.
In addition, they call for greater transparency in public procurement, in particular for procedures through intergovernmental agreements, and for full compliance with EU rules and principles. They urge Montenegro to reduce the number of public procurement procedures without notice, and express concern about the financial burden and lack of transparency surrounding the construction of the Bar-Boljare highway financed by a Chinese loan. They stress that the secrecy surrounding the loan agreement and the construction contract raises accountability concerns.
The amendment that treats the role of the Parliament of Montenegro in integration recognizes the key role of the Montenegrin Parliament in the accession process, but notes with concern the political boycotts and blockades, as well as the resurgence of tensions and ethnic polarization, which slows down the reform process. Therefore, they call for constructive dialogue and consensus-building across the political spectrum, prioritizing the quality of legislation and strongly encouraging solutions to be found through parliamentary dialogue, reports the RTCG portal.
Additionally, they call for preventing identity politics from distracting from the EU agenda or straining relations with neighbors, ensuring that Montenegro remains firmly on the path to the EU.
The new amendment expresses concern about attempts to amend the Law on Montenegrin Citizenship in the Parliament, which could have serious and long-term implications for decision-making processes and identity in the country, “while emphasizing that any discussion on identity politics must be conducted with the utmost sensitivity to avoid further polarization, and a broad social consensus should be sought.
MEPs encourage the Montenegrin authorities to consult and coordinate on all possible amendments to the citizenship law with the EU and stress the importance of reaching consensus on all issues related to this topic, which is of crucial importance for the identity and independence of Montenegro.
The call for harmonization of the electoral legal framework with EU standards was reiterated, especially with regard to the harmonization of electoral legislation, restrictions on voting and candidate rights, transparency, dispute resolution mechanisms, campaign and media oversight, and financing of political parties and election campaigns.
Also, there was a renewed appeal for local elections to be held on one day in order to reduce tensions and strengthen stability.
They recall that this reform step is a condition for future disbursement of funds under the Instrument for Reform and Growth, in line with Montenegro's commitments in its reform agenda. The EP is concerned about the improper conduct of the electoral process in the municipality of Šavnik, reports the RTCG portal.
In the area of media freedoms, the EP expresses concern about cases in which journalists, academics and civil society activists have faced pressure to exercise their freedom of expression, including cases where the police have initiated misdemeanor proceedings against them; it is concerned about the use of strategic lawsuits (SLAPP) against journalists.
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