Brussels, 09/12/2011 (Agence Europe) - Accession negotiations with Montenegro could open in June 2012, once the Commission assesses the country's progress in tackling corruption and organised crime, the European Council said on 9 December. “With a view to opening accession negotiations with Montenegro in June 2012, the European Council tasks the Council to examine Montenegro's progress in the implementation of reforms, with particular focus on the area of rule of law and fundamental rights, especially the fight against corruption and organised crime, on the basis of a report to be presented by the Commission in the first half of 2012.” The Council also asked the Commission to present “without delay” a proposal for a framework for negotiations with Montenegro, incorporating the new approach proposed by the Commission on the chapters on the judiciary and fundamental rights, and justice, freedom and security. The Commission was also asked “to initiate the process of analytical examination of the acquis communautaire with Montenegro” on the above-mentioned chapters. European Commission President José Manuel Barroso said that this was a clear commitment on the part of member states. Negotiations would not begin immediately, he said, but the very important work of preparing for the negotiations would start, in the hope that, insofar as possible, the talks will be opened in June 2012.
The Council also welcomed the Commission's assessment on the “good progress” made by Montenegro, “which has achieved overall satisfactory results”. (CG/transl.rt)