Brussels, 11/10/2012 (Agence Europe) - In its progress report on Montenegro that was made public on 10 October, the European Commission sets out the country's progress in key reforms, underlined by the opening of negotiations in June 2012. The screening of the negotiation chapters, which started in the summer, should be finished by summer 2013. According to the Commission, Montenegro has fulfilled the political criteria sufficiently. During the negotiations it will have to work on a roadmap with the aim of applying irreversible reforms - particularly on the fight against organised crime and corruption, including at a high level. The report recognises that policies and the institutional and legislative framework have been improved with a view to strengthening the functioning of the parliament, judiciary, anti-corruption policy, human rights and protection of minorities. Montenegro has to make progress in constitutional changes in order to safeguard the independence of the judiciary, while judicial responsibility remains a concern for the EU.
The Commission states that Montenegro continues to play a constructive role in the region and respects its international commitments. Podgorica continues to implement its obligations under the Stabilisation and Association Agreement “smoothly”.
The public administration and constitutional reforms have made progress, the Commission says. However, given the small size of the Montenegrin administration, the implementation of the administrative capacity needed for implementing the acquis will be a “cross-cutting challenge”, the Commission warns. (CG/transl.fl)