Mr Rumbold summed up the findings of the report by saying that Montenegro has improved in fulfilling the political criteria, strengthening democracy and the rule of law, but needs to make further efforts in fighting corruption and organized crime. The overall picture of EU – Montenegrin relations is seen as positive.
Mr Rumbold confirmed that the MPs and members of the National Council for European Integration are at the very centre of European integration and that they should work collectively on the weak points which the European Commission highlighted in the report.
Montenegro’s Minister for European Integration, Prof. Gordana Djurovic confirmed that this year has been successful for the region with regard to EU integration. She added that the EU enlargement process is still attractive and is contributing to the development and stabilization of the region.
Judicial and prosecution representatives have said the EC’s report itself is a realistic evaluation of the current situation in Montenegro.
The report stresses that Montenegro is moderately advanced in the area of judicial reform. There has been some progress through the enhancement of the legal framework and the implementation of legislation.
However, the Commission points out that further efforts are required for consolidation of the independence, accountability, integrity and efficiency of the judicial system.
Ruling coalition representatives confirmed that the report gives a factual representation of the situation in Montenegro and that the government is prepared to deal with the weak points described in it.
