19 September 2018 - Montenegro is committed to fulfilling the final criteria in chapters of the acquis communautaire related to innovation, human resources, information society and social policy. Chief Negotiator for Montenegrin Accession to the European Union, Aleksandar Drljević, highlighted that Montenegro is determined to maintain a good dynamic of implementing reforms and reach the standards of the most developed countries in Europe.
On September 18, the Chief Negotiator Drljević opened the eighth Subcommittee meeting on Innovation, Human Resources, Information Society and Social Policy, during which representatives of the Montenegrin negotiating structure and the European Commission reviewed the results achieved by Montenegro in the negotiation process in the areas covered by the Subcommittee.
The meeting reviewed current activities as well as the upcoming key obligations and plans in Chapter 2 - Freedom of movement for workers, Chapter 10 - Information society and media, Chapter 19 - Social policy and employment, Chapter 25 - Science and research and Chapter 26 - Education and culture.
The Chief Negotiator Drljević recalled Montenegro's efforts towards achieving the standards necessary for EU membership, stating that the success of the reform is a testament to the 31st open chapter, three of which are closed. He also emphasised that Montenegro is aware that the establishment of a stable scientific and educational system is the basis of a modern society and a driver of improvement of living standards. Drljević added that the fields of science, research, education and culture are particularly important elements of the development of each state.
Deputy Head of the Unit for Montenegro in the Directorate-General for Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations, Barbara Jésus-Gimeno, underlined that the process of negotiations is not just the opening and closing of the chapter, but the hard work and dedication of both sides. Ms. Gimeno recalled the speech of the European Commission President on the state of the Union, during which he pointed out the EU's commitment to the Western Balkans and Montenegro.
