Yesterday in Brussels, the 18th meeting of the Subcommittee on Agriculture and Fisheries between Montenegro and the European Union was held, within the institutional framework for monitoring the implementation of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement.
The meeting was co-chaired by Heinke Veit, Deputy Head of Unit for Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Directorate-General for Enlargement and Neighbourhood East, and Miroslav Cimbaljević, Head of the Negotiating Working Group for Chapter 11.
On behalf of the Government of Montenegro, the meeting was opened by Chief Negotiator Predrag Zenović and Negotiator for Cluster 5 – Resources, Agriculture and Cohesion, Andrija Delić, with participation from representatives of the Ministry of European Affairs, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management, and the Administration for Food Safety, Veterinary and Phytosanitary Affairs.
In her opening remarks, Heinke Veit emphasized that the meeting took place at an important moment in Montenegro’s EU accession process, highlighting the need to continue demonstrating consistent progress and strong commitment to reforms. She congratulated Montenegro on joining the SEPA zone and on the temporary closure of Chapter 5 – Public Procurement. Veit welcomed the adoption of negotiating positions and reports on the fulfillment of obligations for Chapters 11 and 13, noting that efforts in agriculture, fisheries, and food safety show serious institutional and administrative engagement. She stressed that the European Commission will continue to provide support through technical assistance, ongoing monitoring, and strengthening administrative capacities.
“Chapters 11 – Agriculture and Rural Development, 12 – Food Safety, Veterinary and Phytosanitary Control, and 13 – Fisheries are particularly important as they link the economy, safety, and citizens’ trust with EU policies that directly affect quality of life. We have established all key legal and institutional mechanisms for implementing the Common Agricultural Policy, including the creation of the Payment Agency and the IACS system, while in Chapter 13, laws and action plans have been adopted to strengthen administrative, control, and inspection capacities, confirming full readiness for the temporary closure of Chapters 11 and 13,” emphasized Zenović.
Chief Negotiator Predrag Zenović stated that Montenegro is decisively entering the final phase of negotiations, with clear priorities, measurable results, and readiness to conclude the process. He added that Montenegro demonstrates clear determination and continuity in implementing reforms.
Negotiator for Cluster 5, Andrija Delić, expressed gratitude to the European Commission for continuous support and constructive cooperation during the process, highlighting that joint efforts have contributed to significant progress in agriculture, fisheries, and food safety.
“The temporary closure of Chapters 11 and 13 provides a strong incentive for continuing reforms, strengthening administrative capacities, and preparing Montenegro for the full implementation of the Common Agricultural and Common Fisheries Policies after accession. We will continue implementing all planned activities defined in strategic documents and strengthening institutions, aiming for full readiness for membership,” Delić stated.
The meeting confirmed Montenegro’s ongoing progress in EU negotiations and readiness to finalize the accession process through reforms, enhanced administrative capacities, and full implementation of EU policies in agriculture and fisheries.
MINISTRY OF EUROPEAN AFFAIRS