Montenegro will most likely close three of the expected five chapters in negotiations with the European Union (EU) by the end of the year, because French representatives in the working bodies of that community today blocked the "crossing out" of two - chapters 11 (Agriculture and Rural Development) and 13 (Fisheries), "Vijesti" has learned.
The French made this statement at a meeting of the EU Council Working Group (COELA) held earlier today. In the meantime, a meeting of the Committee of Permanent Representatives of the Member States (COREPER II) has also concluded, at which the decision was confirmed.
According to unofficial information from "Vijesti", French representatives claimed, among other things, that Chapters 11 and 13 were not ready for closure and were not sufficiently aligned with the EU acquis, without giving specific reasons for their position.
After the COREPER II session, an intergovernmental conference will be held, i.e. at the ministerial level (ministers of foreign affairs or European affairs within the EU General Affairs Council), at which three chapters should definitely be closed — 3 (Right of establishment and freedom to provide services), 4 (Free movement of capital) and 6 (Commercial law).
Although France's decision can be changed at the ministerial level, the chances of this happening are very small.
Negotiations on Montenegro's accession to the EU began on June 29, 2012. Since then, Podgorica has opened all chapters (33) and temporarily closed seven, three of which at the end of last year and one in June this year.
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