Hongaren: Montenegro is stabiele factor in de Balkan (en)

The EU should acknowledge Montenegro’s performance, and Podgorica, should also make progress in consolidating the rule of law, said Minister of State for EU Affairs, Eniko Gyori, on 8 March 2011 at the European Parliament’s debate on the resolution assessing the 2010 performance of Montenegro, as a candidate country.

Taking the floor on behalf of the Hungarian Presidency, Minister of State for EU Affairs Eniko Gyori, expressed her appreciation that Montenegro is a stabilising factor in the West Balkans. It has good neighbourly relations, and plays an important role in regional cooperation. She highlighted that Montenegro has achieved visa liberalisation; and concluded the Stability and Association Agreement and has acquired candidate status within 12 months.

This proves that the perspective of EU membership is a driving force, which is why the EU should acknowledge the achievements of all countries wishing to join the EU, pointed out the minister of state.

Ms Gyori stressed that for Montenegro to start the accession talks, it should make progress in consolidating the rule of law, and increasing the efficiency of public administration, pass a constitutionally appropriate elections law, and enhance media freedom.

The Hungarian minister of state said that Montenegro should guarantee the legal status of Croatian, Bosnian and Kosovar refugees and respect their rights. She said that the country is expected to continue the fight against organised crime and corruption.

The minister of state welcomed the Montenegrin Government’s action plan, which was adopted in February, related to the performance of tasks specified by the Commission. She emphasised that Podgorica had previously held broad consultations on the programme with civil society.

The European Parliament’s (EP) resolution, welcomes the Council awarded candidate status to Montenegro, in December 2010, but regrets that the accession negotiations could not start simultaneously. The document highlights that the accession negotiations, should not be postponed. The 35-point resolution, lists the achievements and shortcomings of preparation for EU membership. It notes that Montenegro’s legal system, is almost completely harmonised with EU legislation, but criticises the four delays in the harmonisation of the remaining tasks. The EP highlights the difficulties in the practical application of the press law.

Montenegro signed an association agreement with the EU in 2007, and applied for accession in 2008. Podgorica was awarded candidate status in December 2010, but the EU has still not set a date for starting the accession negotiations. The European Council will decide on the matter after Montenegro has duly complied with all expectations, in terms of the rule of law, public administration, and justice.

The EU enlargement, primarily in the West Balkans, is a key priority for the Hungarian Presidency.