The Chief Negotiator of Montenegro, Predrag Zenović, participated in a meeting of the Working Group of the EU Council for Enlargement (COELA) in Brussels. The meeting was an opportunity to present to diplomats of the member states the progress Montenegro has made in the negotiation process and to discuss the next steps towards membership in the European Union.
The Chief Negotiator confirmed that the pace of reforms and the intensity of cooperation with the European Commission indicate respect for the agreed schedule of obligations, with the Government’s goal that by the end of next year Montenegro will fulfill all obligations from the remaining chapters and step into the final phase of accession. He emphasized that reforms in the areas of commercial law, company formation, agriculture, fisheries, and free movement of capital have demonstrated the institutional strength and capacity of the state to complete the negotiation process.
Zenović thanked all delegates who, during today’s session, largely advocated that the preparation of the draft Accession Treaty begin in parallel, which, under the new methodology, will be prepared for Montenegro for the first time. “We believe it is important that our European partners start drafting as soon as possible so that it is ready by the formal completion of negotiations. We expect that holding at least one Intergovernmental Conference (IGC) by the end of this year will be an undeniable confirmation of the progress achieved, which will enable the start of the preparation of the Treaty. This will be a strong signal of the irreversibility of the process, the credibility of the enlargement policy, and an additional political incentive to complete the negotiations within the set timeframe,” stated the Chief Negotiator.
He emphasized that the rule of law remains the foundation of European integration and a key condition for the closure of all negotiation chapters. “In the past period, we have strengthened the independence of the judiciary and institutional accountability, and most of the key judicial institutions are now functioning at full capacity. We expect that in the coming weeks new judges of the Constitutional Court will be elected, which will further strengthen the rule of law,” he highlighted.
The Chief Negotiator added that concrete actions against corruption and organized crime, including the destruction of seized cigarettes and arrests in recent months of office holders from law enforcement, judiciary, and security organs, speak most eloquently about the state’s determination to continue consistent and non-selective application of the law.
Speaking about economic reforms, the Chief Negotiator emphasized that Montenegro, the European Commission, and the member states should be proud that the first cross-border SEPA transfers will begin as early as tomorrow.
Zenović announced the upcoming Investment Conference “Smart Growth, Green Future: Accelerating Investments in Montenegro,” which will be held on 14 and 15 October. The conference, which will be opened by Prime Minister Milojko Spajić and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, is a demonstration of the EU’s increased sensitivity to the importance of stronger economic integration and as the beginning of a new investment cycle on the path to EU membership.
“The conference will serve as a platform to present Montenegro’s main investment potentials and reforms that strengthen the investment environment and confirm that our country is becoming an attractive destination and regional hub for European and global investors,” said Zenović.
The Chief Negotiator stated that Montenegro remains fully committed to the European path, implementation of reforms, and alignment with European Union policies. “We are convinced that the coming months will be decisive, in which we will confirm the maturity of our institutions, achieve the conditions for concluding negotiations, and open a new chapter of Montenegro’s European future,” concluded Zenović.