29 June 2019 - Prime Minister of Montenegro Duško Marković recently hosted Vice President of Bulgaria Iliana Iotova, reports Government of Montenegro.

During the meeting, it was concluded that friendly and partnership relations between Montenegro and Bulgaria are in particular strengthened by Bulgaria's continued support during Montenegro's accession to NATO and now in the process of EU integration.

"Our relations can hardly be better than they are. They could only become stronger in terms of economic cooperation," said Prime Minister Marković.

He thanked the Vice Presidents of Bulgaria for the important initiative that last year, during the Bulgarian presidency of the European Union, actualised the issue of enlargement of the Union, which resulted in the EU-Western Balkans Summit in Sofia. The Prime Minister added that the initiative launched by President Boyko Borisov to include the Adriatic-Ionian corridor on the list of European corridors co-financed by the European Union was of paramount significance for Montenegro.

Vice President Iotova announced the continuation of strong support for the European integration process of Montenegro and other Western Balkan countries, especially stressing that Bulgaria insists on regatta principle or on a separate evaluation of the success of each candidate country. Prime Minister Marković reiterated Montenegro's firm position on the need to open accession talks with Northern Macedonia and Albania.

Bulgaria's Vice President pledged her country's support to the initiative of Montenegro to open the International Institute for Sustainable Technologies.

The meeting concluded that it is a mutual interest to include Bulgaria in the governing part of the Berlin Process for the Western Balkan countries.

Read more about Politics in Montenegro at TMN's dedicated page.

28 June 2019 - During the conference Seven Years of Montenegro's negotiations with the EU, Prime Minister Duško Marković noted that Montenegro’s goals coincide with the goals of the enlargement process, that Montenegro has progressed confidently towards the EU although it is the first time that a new, more demanding negotiating model is being implemented, that it had been  implementing some policies as if it was already an EU member state and that the Government will organise meetings with relevant non-governmental organisations in order to provide the synergy of the accession process.

"The most important political priorities of Montenegro are compatible with the goals of the enlargement process. Regional cooperation, reaching European standards and promoting of democratic values and the rule of law, together with economic development are within its core. It is what drives us and what we consider as the highest value for Montenegro, the Western Balkan region but also for the EU. Montenegro has progressed confidently towards membership in the EU. We have started negotiations based on a new model which is being implementing for the first time, negotiations based on the new and demanding principles. Montenegro is the first country with this level of involvement of civil society, faced with different challenges. A special Montenegro’s feature is that in this period we have carried out a parallel NATO integration process and two years ago we became the 29th NATO member. We have to agree that this was a special endeavour of a whole administration. We strongly promote European values trough the fulfilment of the obligations on the path to the EU and it is our most important foreign policy goal. Today, Montenegro’s accession to the EU is supported by two - third of citizens, according to the latest research," Prime Minister Duško Marković stated at the opening of the conference Seven years of Montenegro’s negotiations with the EU, which was sponsored by NGO Centre for Civic Education in Podgorica.

According to the report by the Government of Montenegro, speaking about Montenegro’s achievements, the Prime Minister stated that Montenegro has opened 32 out of 33 negotiating chapters and that Montenegro has support of 22 EU member states for the opening of the remaining chapter.

"However, the work on Chapter 23 – Judiciary and Fundamental Rights and 24 – Justice, Freedom and Security marked the previous period. Most of the temporary benchmarks have been fulfilled (83).  Implementing or amending over 70 laws in chapters 23 and 24 significantly improved the legislative framework in key areas which speaks volumes about the scope and complexity of the reform process in the rule of law area. I want to highlight that institutional framework for law implementation is significantly strengthen by strengthening the administrative capacity of the existing one, but also by establishing new institutions such as Anti-Corruption Agency, Special State Prosecutor’s Office, Sector for seized property, Centre for training of the judiciary and the State Prosecutor’s Office, Centre for asylum seekers and the Reception center for foreigners. I want to point to the concrete results which have been recognised in the last European Commission's report for Montenegro. In addition to the continuous progress in the legislative field and in the area of institution building, the European Commission notes the initial balance of the results achieved in the fight against high-level corruption and in the certain areas of organised crime, such as money laundering, financial investigations, temporary seizure of the property acquired through criminal activity. It was noted, as well, that the progress achieved in judicial cooperation, as well as boosted international police cooperation, yield concrete results," the Prime Minister pointed out.

When referring to the achievements of the negotiation process, the Prime Minister said that around 800 students and teachers attended one of the European universities, that Montenegro has achieved a national target of 33% of renewable energy sources in total final consumption and that the country has been successfully planned over EUR 260 million of non-refundable support from the European Union and achieved significant success in their use.

"Since 2014, within the framework of the Berlin Process, through the Western Balkan Investment Framework, Montenegro has received 120 million euros of EU support for seven infrastructure projects, with additional funds for project preparation. Finally, with regard to investment in infrastructure financed or co-financed by EU funds, during the first seven years of negotiations, funds of approximately EUR 167 million have been approved for infrastructure projects in various fields and for various purposes. When dealing with this topic, I want to look at an important fact that is being ignored when it comes to not only the presence but also the commitment of the EU to the Western Balkans. Many analyzes show that over the past 10 years, the European Union has invested over 8 billion euros in the region. Are our citizens familiar with the fact? Such data are often in the shadow of other, more bureaucratic messages, which, although they are also important, do not indicate the true extent of the Union's commitment to the Western Balkans and Montenegro. Such messages must come from high addresses of the Union, as well as from us who implement and promote the European Union's policy and its values. The perception must not be determined only by dry data, but by the overall picture of why the accession process is important and how important it is to both sides. Especially because the Union we are aiming for is undeniably more present than other actors in the region," Prime Minister Duško Marković pointed out.

The Prime Minister concluded by announcing new meetings with the non-governmental sector in order to re-ensure the synergy of the negotiation process.

"Cooperation with the civil sector and non-governmental organisations is an important part of the process. As we know, since the beginning of the negotiation process, we have been open to their contribution, and it has been very important in these seven years, both from the aspect of independent monitoring, but also in terms of providing knowledge the administration lacks. Lately, the Government has suffered constant criticism that we have abated our desire for such cooperation. In the context of the new approach, we will put this issue on the agenda by organising a meeting with all NGOs which take part in working groups and other relevant NGOs to restore confidence and synergy in this key process for us. The Government is, if it is wrong, ready to confess its mistake as it is ready for cooperation," Prime Minister Duško Marković stressed.

CEO of the Regional Office of the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Foundation Max Brandle, the Executive Director of Centre for Civic Education Daliborka Uljarević, Chief Negotiator Aleksandar Drljević and Head of the Delegation of the European Union to Montenegro, Ambassador Aivo Orav, also spoke at the conference.

Read more about politics in Montenegro at TMN's dedicated page.

28 June 2019 - Prime Minister Duško Marković recently hosted a delegation of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), led by Head of the IMF Mission to Montenegro Srikant Seshadri.

According to the report by the Government of Montenegro, the meeting concluded that the Fiscal Strategy, adopted by the Government two years ago, was successful and generally yields good and expected results and that the maintenance of fiscal discipline remains a priority of the Government in the forthcoming period.

"This Government will abide by all obligations arising from our Fiscal Consolidation Programme, addressing the needs of citizens and development," Prime Minister Marković said at the meeting.

The Prime Minister and the Head of the IMF Mission to Montenegro agreed that economic growth over the past two years exceeded the expectations of international experts and pointed out that such a high base is a challenge in this year and in the next period, especially after the completion of the priority section of the Bar – Boljare motorway. In this context, PM Marković reiterated Montenegro's determination to continue working on creating all the preconditions for defining the planning and financial elements of the continuation of the motorway construction on the principle of a sustainable solution.

The IMF delegation said that in the coming period it will focus on: reform of the pension system, public sector optimisation and full harmonisation of our tax system with the European Union system.

Read more about Politics in Montenegro at TMN's dedicated page.

27 June 2019 - Minister of Defence of Montenegro Predrag Bošković participated in the meeting of the North Atlantic Council at the level of Defence Ministers in Brussels. 

The meeting discussed the guidelines for further work in order to ensure the smooth implementation of Alliance policies. 

The ministers analyzed the modern security environment in order to develop the ability to provide an adequate and timely response to all potential challenges, in line with NATO's aspirations for constant adaptation to current developments on a global scale. A special focus was on innovations in the field of technological development, especially in the field of military technology, that is, the development of modern equipment and weapons. 

As Ministry of Defence of Montenegro reported, the meeting of NATO defence ministers is being held in the key period for the future of the Intermediate-Range and Shorter-Range Missiles Agreement, which is an important element of arms control, and therefore the overall European security. Participants of the meeting stressed that NATO will pay special attention to strengthening the defence activities and deterring all potential threats. 

It is certain that the nature of security challenges is constantly changing, and that it requires a comprehensive and binding response from all international actors. Once again, the importance of coordinating the actions of NATO and the European Union, which remains an important partner of the Alliance, is emphasised. The ministers reminded that the fulfillment of the tasks envisaged and the future forms of cooperation will continue in the coming months. 

Minister Bošković emphasised the importance of the efforts that the Allies are making to adjust to modern security flows. He stressed the importance of unity within NATO in responding to threats that can come from all strategic directions, and the commitment of the Alliance to protect citizens and its entire territory. Minister Bošković said that Montenegro, as a reliable and credible ally, is responsibly approaching the fulfillment of NATO policies, and that as a reliable ally, Montenegro will continue to implement the guidelines adopted by the Alliance.

Read more about politics in Montenegro at TMN's dedicated page.

27 June 2019 - Montenegrin Parliament Speaker, Ivan Brajović, said that Montenegro, as a NATO member state and the first new European Union member state, having in mind the level of development it has achieved so far, understands the significance of developing partnership and better cross-country connectivity in all areas for better economic and social development, i.e. more secure future for its citizens.

Ivan Brajović was a speaker at the meeting held in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, where he met many high-ranking officials. He had a speech on the topic "Better connectivity for a better life – How to incorporate genuine changes in the regional cooperation?", as reported by CdM.

“Montenegro endorses the goals of the Regional Cooperation Council referring to connectivity. Signing the agreement which brings us one step closer to free roaming zone best proves the visible benefits of the regional cooperation,” emphasized Brajović, adding that Montenegro is to take over chairing the Central European Initiative and it will strive to reinforce the mechanisms of regional coordination.

During his stay in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro’s Parliament Speaker had talks with the member of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Mr Šefik Džaferović, as well as the member of the Collegium in the House of Representatives of the Parliamentary Assembly, Mr Denis Zvizdić, who is also the President of the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

They shared information on economic indicators, current in-country political and social events, as well as opinions on the European perspective of the Western Balkans.

Stressing the importance of NATO membership, Brajović reiterated the readiness of Montenegro to assist all countries that wish to join the Alliance.

Read more about politics in Montenegro at TMN's dedicated page.

25 June 2019 - Accession to the European Union is one of the strongest drivers of economic development, which is why all Western Balkan countries have an interest in pursuing this path, with a greater presence of the European Union and a responsible attitude towards the region, and mutual trust and understanding, said Chief Negotiator for Montenegro Aleksandar Drljević at a conference in Stockholm.

He took part in a ministerial conference on the Western Balkans in Stockholm, which gathered representatives of the European Commission and ministers of foreign affairs and European integration of the Western Balkan countries.

"Accession to the European Union has proven to be one of the strongest drivers of economic development, stability and peace, and we therefore all share the interest in continuing this process," noted Chief Negotiator Aleksandar Drljević in European Integration Office report.

Chief Negotiator for Montenegro Aleksandar Drljević also added that investing in the stability and prosperity of the region is, in fact, an investment in the security and the future of the European Union and Europe as a whole. On the other hand, the citizens of the countries of the Western Balkans have higher expectations than the European Union.

"They expect the Union to be even more present in our region, as an internationally recognised actor and donor, with even greater attention to this part of the continent, as well as to encourage further reforms, taking into account progress and results achieved," Chief Negotiator Drljević underscored.

Read more news about Politics in Montenegro at TMN's dedicated page.

25 June 2019 - The continuation of the enlargement process and consolidation of the credibility of the Western Balkan European perspective is in the interest of stability, security and prosperity of the region, as well as Europe as a whole, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Montenegro Srđan Darmanović and his counterpart from Portugal, Augusto Santos Silva agreed at the meeting that was recently held.

26 June 2019 - Montenegrin independence is eternal and so is Montenegro. That’s what Prime Minister Duško Marković said to Milan Knežević during the Prime Minister’s hour, reports CDM. Marković said it in response to Knežević’s statement that Montenegrin independence was regained by bribery. The first man of Montenegrin Government was loud and clear – Democratic Front is allowed to mourn the lost referendum, but they should forget once and for all about bringing Montenegro back into somebody else’s auspices.

Milan Kneževič asked PM to comment on the direct impact of foreign elements on the outcome of the referendum held in 2006, which have been confirmed by the released transcript of the conversation between Milan Roćen and Oleg Deripaska in 2005.

Knežević claims that this conversation is proof that independence was obtained by bribery.

“The Government provided secret guarantee and Kosovo provided free electricity”, said Knežević and added that monument to Oleg Deripaska should be set up in every Montenegrin town.

Marković said that Knežević’s politics was trapped in the ideas of the last century and reminded him of the historical facts and all the way Montenegro had gone through until regaining its independence. He says there are no elements that would change the overall picture of the referendum in 2006, when citizens made a wise choice.

“We’ve gone so far and we can’t let anybody threaten our country now. That’s why we aren’t buying the invalid provocations”, said PM. He told Knežević that his undermining of Montenegrin independence wouldn’t be tolerated anymore.

Marković also commented on the Law on Freedom of Religion and said he hoped the law would have been at desks of the MPs by the end of July.

“People who haven’t even read the law have been discussing it for weeks. The highest Serbian officials, including the president – nobody has read it. This law has been drafted in accordance with the highest standards of the Council of Europe. It’s a contemporary law and establishes right to the religious organization but within this country and its laws, not within some other country”, said PM.

He added that the Venice Commission confirmed the quality of the law and suggested the amendments where necessary.

Read more about Politics in Montenegro at TMN's dedicated page.