Brussels, 02/04/2008 (Agence Europe) - Montenegro recently signed a stabilisation and association agreement (SAA) with the EU, 'has made good progress' in its European integration process, and is 'on a good track' commented EU Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn at a press conference in Brussels on 1 April following a meeting with Montenegro's prime minister, Milo Djukanovic. The commissioner also welcomed the fact that Montenegro's government is planning to submit its request to join the EU in the near future once the criteria have been met. What criteria? 'Before candidate status can be granted, Montenegro needs to build up a convincing and solid track record on SAA implementation. We have to see it. Some more time is required to verify Montenegro's track record,' explained the commissioner. Rehn said the next step, requesting to join the EU, could be taken 'rather soon,' and this would set a good example to other countries in the Balkans region. An interim agreement has been in force since January 2008 enabling much of the SAA to be applied before the SAA is ratified.
Milo Djukanovic also met with the EU high representative for the CFSP, Javier Solana, in Brussels on Tuesday. In a press release, Solana hailed the good relations with Montenegro and welcomed the important role it is planning in regional cooperation in the Balkans.