Mercier: Montenegro must stay focused on reforms in the final stage of EU negotiations

Photo: EU

Montenegro must stay focused on the remaining reforms and on cross-party political consensus, particularly in the field of the rule of law, in the final phase of its European Union accession negotiations.

That was the message from European Commission spokesperson Guillaume Mercier, who stressed that broad political support for EU-related reforms remains essential for advancing the process.

Commenting on recent political developments in Montenegro’s Parliament — including the opposition’s warning that it will suspend cooperation with the Government and the parliamentary majority until a session is scheduled on dismissing Parliament Speaker Andrija Mandić — Mercier said Montenegro has made steady progress in the integration process.

He recalled that Montenegro has provisionally closed 18 negotiating chapters and that in recent months it has accelerated sectoral reforms across all areas.

However, he added, the remaining reforms must be completed and the country must continue to show commitment and determination in this direction.

“Montenegro has shown capacity and determination, and the acceleration of reforms over the summer is clear evidence that work and dedication deliver results,” Mercier said, adding that the European Union will continue to support Montenegro on its path to membership.