“The European Union has proved that the enlargement process is still on the agenda and this will encourage other countries of the South East Europe in their pro-reform agenda efforts”, said Gunnar Hökmark MEP, Vice-President of the EPP Group responsible for the Enlargement and Eastern Neighborhood Policy, welcoming the decision of the European Council to open accession negotiations with Montenegro.
”The accession talks will open a way to adapt to the acquis and we rely on Croatia to give their knowledge and best practices to Montenegro. Montenegro needs to fulfill all its commitments, and to focus on tackling the corruption and organized crime”, said Gunnar Hökmark.
”I’m glad that the EU stands behind its commitments. I hope that Montenegro will keep up with reforming processes and that the negotiations will proceed smoothly. The decision to start accession negotiations opens the opportunity for other countries in the region to get closer to the EU. We expect that Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia will follow soon.” said Eduard Kukan MEP, Chair of the Delegation for relations with Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro and Kosovo.
Montenegro is a candidate country from 17 December 2010. On Tuesday 26 June 2012, the EU foreign ministers gave a green light to start the EU accession negotiations.
For more information:
Marek Hannibal, EPP Group Press and Communications Service, tel.: +32 475 753048