EU Enlargement Commissioner Štefan Füle presented to Prime Minister Igor Lukšić the European Commission’s opinion recommending the opening of EU accession talks with Montenegro at a ceremony in the capital, Podgorica, earlier today.

Commissioner Füle praised Montenegro for being an open and reliable partner, setting clear priorities and creating, what he termed, ‘an unbelievably inclusive framework for addressing the enlargement process challenges’.

“We have seen genuine commitment to carry out reforms, proactive approach and good progress in the last ten months, and now your efforts and reforms bring tangible results,” the Commissioner told a joint press conference with Prime Minister Igor Lukšić.

PM Lukšić welcomed the Commission’s recommendation, adding that Montenegro’s success was a result of combined efforts of the whole society. By the same token, he underlined the importance of the government’s dialogue with the opposition, partnership with the civil society and the support of the media community. “I believe that we, as a society, have managed to reach a broad consensus which is exceptionally important for the coming phase of EU accession talks.”

The Prime Minister, however, pointed out that this was not the end of Montenegro efforts. “This only confirms that we have invested credible efforts and that we have managed to show that our institutions are capable of tackling difficult challenges,” said Mr Lukšić.

Commissioner Füle explained that Montenegro will be the first country to go through the new, more demand, accession process, which involves opening EU entry talks with the chapters on judiciary, fundamental rights, justice, freedom and security (chapters 23 and 24).

Asked by the press if the opening of accession negotiations with those chapters was too challenging for Montenegro, the prime minister said: “I feel we have the strength to meet all the commitments that lie ahead in chapters 23 and 24. There is a critical mass of people in our society who support this process, which is why I believe our society is capable of meeting those challenges.”