Brussels, 24/11/2014 (Agence Europe) - During a visit to Montenegro on Friday 21 November, the European Commissioner for Neighbourhood Policy, Johannes Hahn, who is also in charge of accession negotiations, called for the country to continue its reforms.
The Commissioner emphasised that, “economic performance is not only about money. It is also about important reforms… Legal certainty, a functioning independent judicial system and fundamental rights like property rights (who is the real owner of a piece of land) are preconditions to attract investors and to stimulate economic growth and jobs”.
Hahn also indicated that the Commission had flagged up an early warning on chapter 23 (judicial system and fundamental rights) and 24 (freedom, security and justice) without, however, activating it. He also highlighted the need to make progress on the question of funding political parties, lobbying, the code of ethics for parliamentary members, legislation on tackling corruption and the law on the Special Prosecutor's office but also explained that, “adoption of legislation is not a panacea… But, their adoption and enforcement will lead to establishing a credible track record of investigations, prosecutions and final convictions in corruption cases, including high-level corruption”.
The Commissioner indicated that “All parliamentary parties should ensure that this is the place for democratic debate and decision-making”. (CG)