Strasbourg, 23/05/2012 (Agence Europe) - On Wednesday 23 May, the European Commission reiterated its recommendation in favour of opening accession negotiations with Montenegro in June, given the level of the country's compliance with the accession criteria. The report on the country's progress in the implementation of reforms needed to begin accession negotiations, which the Commission adopted, “shows that Montenegro is on track and ready to start accession negotiations in June” announced Commissioner for Enlargement Stefan Füle. In this report, the European Commission explains that Podgorica has made further progress in the areas of the primacy of law and fundamental rights, including the fight against corruption and organised crime. The commissioner added: “Building on the progress achieved to date, the good work needs to continue. I hope that today's report will provide further momentum for Montenegro to step up its efforts toward European integration.”
The report takes into account the progress achieved since September 2011 and follows a request made by the European Council last December. At the end of June, the Council will decide on whether accession negotiations will begin or not with Montenegro. (CG/transl.fl)