Discussions on possible transitional arrangements within Chapter 2 (Freedom of Movement of Workers) are still part of the negotiation process and several models are being considered within that framework, said Deputy Prime Minister Filip Ivanović today.
"The debate is between more restrictive and more flexible measures," said Ivanovic in the Parliament, responding to a question from Democratic Party of Socialists (DPS) MP Andrija Nikolić whether it was true that the Netherlands conditioned the closure of Chapter 2 on the demand to accept a longer transition period during which Montenegrin citizens would not have full and direct access to the labor market of member states even after joining the EU, and what that state requires (which transition period).
Nikolić said that if the Netherlands asks for a longer period than seven years, which is a standard in the EU, "it means that Montenegrin citizens will not be equal to EU citizens for years after joining the EU."
"The public must know under what conditions Montenegro is entering the EU. Transition periods existed for others as well, but our executive branch promised a quick and efficient entry, while respecting all rights and standards that apply in the EU, and this could give the impression that in the event of entry we will still be second-class citizens, at least for a longer period," said Nikolić.
Ivanovic said that he could not provide more details at this stage, but that an Intergovernmental Conference will likely be held early next week to discuss Chapter 2.
He claims that there is no member state that opposes Montenegro's membership in the EU, nor is there any position that would single out Montenegro as a special case when it comes to the freedom of movement of workers.
"The population of Montenegro and the size of our workforce clearly indicate that any consideration of transitional arrangements does not stem from the assessment that Montenegrin citizens could have a significant impact on the EU labor market. On the contrary, the discussion on transitional arrangements is conducted primarily in the context of defining rules for future enlargements and establishing a model that could be applied to future EU accession states," said Ivanovic.
As he added, the positions expressed within the working bodies of the Council of the EU are not directed against Montenegro, but rather represent part of a legitimate discussion among member states on the future functioning of the EU.
He recalled that the freedom of movement of workers is one of the fundamental principles of the European Union and remains a basic rule arising from membership.
"At the same time, European Union law provides for the possibility of transitional arrangements that member states can apply for a limited period after the accession of a new member state. Such arrangements are neither new nor a precedent, but have been an integral part of almost all previous waves of European Union enlargement," he said.
He stressed that the transition period does not imply the automatic closure of the labor market in all member states.
"On the contrary, each member state individually decides whether to use the possibility of temporary restrictions or to open its labor market immediately upon the accession of a new member. Experience so far shows that many member states in previous enlargements chose a more liberal approach and opened their labor markets without waiting for the expiration of the initial transition period," said Ivanovic.
He added that the issue of possible transitional arrangements is not an issue that can be decided suddenly or outside the negotiation process.
"The possibility of defining them is already foreseen in the negotiating framework and is an integral part of the accession negotiations conducted with the member states. As in all previous EU enlargements, any transitional arrangements, their scope and duration will be known as part of the process of closing Chapter 2 and adopting a common negotiating position," said Ivanovic.
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