On Wednesday 18 October, MEPs adopted their report on Montenegro (529 votes in favour, 51 against, 53 abstentions), in which they expressed concern at the overall loss of momentum in the country’s efforts to join the European Union.
“I would have liked to be able to congratulate the Montenegrins on having concluded negotiations on all the chapters, but unfortunately the results have not lived up to expectations”, said the rapporteur for the dossier, Tonino Picula (S&D, Croatian), despite the fact that no negotiation chapter has been concluded in six years.
While the report praises the country’s “long-standing commitment to EU integration”, it points above all to the “urgent need for political stability in the country”.
“It is worrying that the Parliament is still not up and running after the June parliamentary elections (see EUROPE 13201/27). What is needed is a stable and strong majority in Parliament. A majority that is able and willing to carry out essential judicial appointments and long overdue EU reforms”, commented the European Commissioner for Enlargement, Olivér Várhelyi, in the Chamber.
The document also stresses the need to make progress on chapters 23 and 24 relating to the adoption of the Community acquis in the areas of the judiciary, fundamental rights and security.
Furthermore, while the last report of this mandate on the subject notes an improvement in the prevention of corruption and progress in the fight against illicit trade, it also asks Podgorica to draw up a “comprehensive strategy to combat trafficking in human beings and protect victims”.
“It has to be said that Montenegro could have been a good candidate. But it has become a centre of crime in the region”, said Matjaž Nemec (S&D, Slovenian), expressing concern at the “stagnation of the situation in the country”.
The report also looks at the issue of disinformation campaigns, foreign interference and the country’s economic dependence, at a time when “hybrid threats” and other “destabilisation efforts” from Russia, China and Serbia have increased.
To put an end to the country’s economic dependence on certain third countries, MEPs believe that Montenegro should continue to use the economic and investment plan for the Western Balkans and the ‘Global Gateway’ initiative.
The annual report also points out that accession to the EU will also require greater independence for the media, in particular for Montenegro’s public broadcaster.
“Precious time is lost. We agree with this House that Montenegro must move forward. This is only possible if the prolonged period of political unpredictability comes to an end”, concluded Mr Várhelyi. (Original version in French by Thomas Mangin)