The Minister of European Affairs, Maida Gorčević, met today in Brussels with the President of the European Economic and Social Committee, Oliver Ropke, and his associates.
At the meeting, opinions were exchanged on the current state of the EU accession process, as well as the cooperation between the Government and the civil sector in the negotiation process.
Ropke said that the creation of an adequate environment for the activities of civil society organizations and the inclusion of NGO representatives in the negotiation process are of particular importance for the improvement of democratic processes and the acceptance of European values and standards.
He welcomed the participation of representatives of the civil sector in the negotiating working groups and especially praised the intention of the Ministry of European Affairs to intensify dialogue and cooperation and to open additional space for the participation of NGO representatives in that process.
He introduced Minister Gorčević to the initiative to involve civil society representatives of EU accession candidate countries in the work of this EU institution on the same basis as those from member states.
Minister Gorčević informed Ropke about the current situation and plans in the negotiation process. She conveyed the Government’s strong determination to do everything necessary to complete the reform processes in cooperation with the legislative and judicial branches of government and end the accession negotiations with the EU within the mandate of this Government. In this context, she informed the interlocutor about the most important plans aimed at reforms in the area of the rule of law, which the European Commission also pointed out in its report.
She pointed out that the Ministry of European Affairs and she are open to improving cooperation with the civil sector, and that the formation of a new negotiation structure will be the first opportunity for that.
“I greatly appreciate all constructive criticism, suggestions, and proposals that come from the civil sector. Montenegro has a small administration, and on the way to the EU, we need all professional, educated, and competent individuals who possess certain knowledge, skills, and experience. That is why I will advocate that all those who can help speed up the reforms and bring the negotiation process to an end, be a part of that process,” said Gorčević.