01 June 2019 - Although the significance that NATO and the EU have to the Western Balkans does not need to be explained in more detail, it is important to emphasise the significance of their shared commitment to this region that is still in discrepancy between the past and the present, Prime Minister Duško Marković said at the opening of the 9th To Be Secure (2BS ) Forum in Budva.

It is important, he stressed, to support the democratic forces, especially considering that integration processes are the core and the main driver of democratic and reform processes.

"It is important to send a clear message from all addresses that there are no alternatives and that NATO and the EU stand together with the states of the Western Balkans on this path. Every absence of clearly demonstrated commitment leaves room for third countries that show interest in this region to use the vulnerabilities of states and the system and endanger their integration path," the Prime Minister said at the Forum.

In the year when NATO marks 70 years of existence, and the 12 member states mark the membership anniversary, the Alliance has a full agenda of facing new and old challenges, with a changed geopolitical situation. The Prime Minister pointed out that special attention, which is very important to us, has been dedicated to the Western Balkans region in the past period.

The Prime Minister also referred to the countries of the region and expressed the belief that North Macedonia will soon become the 30th member of NATO. It is very important, PM Marković added, that Bosnia and Herzegovina was invited to deliver its first Annual National Programme to NATO.

"As the youngest member of the Alliance, Montenegro actively advocates and promotes open door policy. We do this through bilateral support, to Bosnia and Herzegovina and North Macedonia, as well as within regional initiatives and cooperation mechanisms, such as the US-Adriatic Charter and Adriatic Trilateral. We are ready to continue to help all the neighbours and aspirants with whom we want to share experience and lessons learned from the accession process," PM Marković noted.

Furthermore, he spoke about Montenegro's accession to the EU and said that, aware of the size and the length of the process, Montenegro maintains motivation and commitment to this goal.

"The Government is focused on the reform agenda and the development agenda on a daily basis, not as it is sometimes thought of simply because of membership in the EU, but because of the value of the democratic and free society that we need to ensure progress and prosperity for the state and citizens," the Prime Minister highlighted.

He assessed that the European Commission Report on Montenegro had realistically examined the state of progress and the need for further results. We are happy to note the overall work, in particular of the Government and its authorities, the robust growth of the economy and the results achieved in the fight against organized crime and corruption.

"Recognising the importance of individual progress of each candidate on the basis of our own merits, we advocate for the greatest progress of all countries in the region. We hope that the forthcoming Council will adopt a date for opening accession negotiations for North Macedonia and Albania. Likewise, we hope to continue the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina, whose positive outcome will open their way towards the European and Euro-Atlantic family of the developed countries," the Prime Minister of Montenegro pointed out.

Although there is always speculation or analysis of how strong the EU's presence in the region is or its commitment to enlargement policies, we appreciate the many ways in which the Union is present – through investments, donations or support in negotiating, PM Marković noted.

"However, it is important to bear in mind the wider picture and context of the unification of Europe and its permanent stabilization by integrating this part where there is still "unfinished business", and that's why we are convinced that in addition to all the serious issues that the Union is dealing with daily, it will not falter in the most successful EU policy – enlargement policy," Prime Minister Marković said at the 2BS Forum.

The 9th To Be Secure Forum is held under the auspices of the Government of Montenegro and the participants will discuss issues of vital importance for the security of the Euro-Atlantic community, including the Western Balkans, the unity of the Alliance, the influence of third countries, as well as new security challenges.

31 May 2019 - Prime Minister Duško Marković said in Pristina after the meeting with Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosovo Ramush Haradinaj that relations between Montenegro and Kosovo are friendly, that the two countries remain consistent in achieving good-neighbourly, European and Euro-Atlantic goals, and when it comes to economic cooperation, they remain consistent especially in developing the infrastructure.

"It is always my pleasure to come to Pristina to meet with Prime Minister Haradinaj and to discuss all the issues concerning the bilateral relations of the two countries. Today, I was particularly pleased to attend the opening of the Development Centre of Montenegrins in Pristina. This is proof that the two countries have a lasting and essential friendship, that they are committed to the basic values that our countries cherish and the values of the European Union, that multiculturalism and multiethnic harmony, respect for the values of our communities are the greatest support to the sustainability of our countries and our lasting friendship," Prime Minister Duško Marković stressed.

The Prime Minister of Montenegro thanked the Government of Kosovo and its Prime Minister for engaging in the recognition and visibility of the Montenegrin community in Kosovo. "Prime Minister Haradinaj convinced me at this meeting that the Montenegrin community will be institutionally recognisable in the future," PM Marković said.

The meeting discussed bilateral relations, economic cooperation and infrastructure projects.

"Infrastructure development is a key assumption and basis for our accelerated development. I congratulate the Prime Minister and his Government on the results they have achieved in developing the road infrastructure. Montenegro is doing it also and I believe that in the years to come, we will reach your result and your efforts, and this is the best contribution to the connectivity agenda we committed to in Trieste when we signed the Action Plan," Prime Minister Duško Marković noted.

The prime ministers of Montenegro and Kosovo agreed that the opening of the motorway from Pristina to the border of Kosovo and Macedonia is not valuable for these two countries only, but for the entire region.

"This will speed up and connect Macedonia and Kosovo with Montenegro, it will strengthen and improve the movement of citizens and tourists, and at the same time give a new opportunity for our companies and our economy," PM Marković emphasised.

The Prime Minister of Montenegro said that the meeting also discussed the improvement of infrastructure in the border area, on the routes of Peć - Rožaje and Plav - Dečane, adding that the population from both sides of the border demanded it.

"Kosovo and Montenegro are very dynamically developing their relations and their partnership. We are very well aware of the achievement of the key goals of the two countries, and they are European and Euro-Atlantic. Montenegro is at the disposal of our friends from Kosovo to share all the experiences and support we had in the Euro-Atlantic process regarding NATO membership and, of course, our experience in negotiating process with the European Union," Prime Minister Duško Marković said.

Prime Minister of Kosovo Ramush Haradinaj repeated the words of Prime Minister Marković, saying that Montenegro and Kosovo remain friends, consistent in achieving their strategic interests, which are not only good-neighbourly, but European and Euro-Atlantic.

30 May 2019 - The Mayor of Podgorica Ivan Vuković and his associates opened the Ankara Boulevard in Podgorica on May 30, 2019. The newly constructed 330-meter long road extends from the intersection of Ljubljanska Street with Ljubomir Rašović Boulevard to the Cetinje Boulevard.

"The city administration is very satisfied, because in the last seven months this is the third new boulevard we are opening in Podgorica. We started with the road in Zeta, then on Independence Day - 21st of May we opened a boulevard in Donja Gorica, and today we are officially opening the Ankara Boulevard,” said Mayor Vuković.

He explained that the city administration is investing large amounts of money in the infrastructure of the Capital, and that the completed projects are of high quality and great use to the citizens. “We invested 700 thousand euros in this latest project, and in a relatively short period we managed to build about 7 kilometres of new boulevard roads on the territory of Podgorica. This is truly a great pace, and we will continue to work with the same intensity in the future," said Vuković.

The Mayor congratulated the city services on their excellent work and added that another new 110-meters long road was recently completed near the Ankara Boulevard, which is about half a kilometre of new roads in this part of the city.

"Apart from what is “visible to the naked eye” there are completely new installations set up under this roadway, a new infrastructure that will service all the necessary residential and business facilities that are currently located in this area and which will be built in the vicinity. Ankara Boulevard will be a very useful road not only to people living in this part of the city, but also to frequent traffic, because this road will likely reduce the car jams that are common at the roundabout near the Public Service building," Vuković concluded.

29 May 2019 - Minister of Health of Montenegro Kenan Hrapović and his counterpart of the Republic of North Macedonia Venko Filipče signed the Memorandum of Understanding in the field of health and medical sciences, which has been harmonised on the basis of mutually expressed interest to formalise the cooperation of the two countries in this area.

The Memorandum stipulates the realisation of cooperation through the exchange of information in the field of health, medical personnel, as well as direct cooperation between medical faculties, medical chambers and other healthcare institutions.

29 May 2019 - Montenegrins in Kosovo and Albanians in Montenegro are two pillars of a cooperation bridge between our countries and we will work together not to make an unstable Balkan bridge, but to make a solid European bridge, Prime Minister Duško Marković said at the opening of the Development Centre of Montenegrins of Kosovo.

"The Centre will contribute to strengthening ties with the home country as a place of gathering of the Montenegrin community and cherishing identity, culture, tradition and its values. At the same time, the Centre will be another strong link for strengthening existing ties and strengthening the overall cooperation between the two friendly states – Montenegro and Kosovo," said Prime Minister Marković, who is paying an official visit to Kosovo. 

He added that he is glad that talks with the Prime Minister of Kosovo Ramush Haradinaj and other leaders, at the same time friends of Montenegro from Kosovo, convey decisive messages of a strong commitment to improving the status, constitutional recognition of Montenegrins in Kosovo, gaining seats in the Parliament.

"The evidence of this commitment is precisely today's activity, which, besides the great contribution of the Association of Montenegrins of Kosovo, the Diaspora Administration, the Embassy of Montenegro in Kosovo and other friends, was supported by the competent institutions of Kosovo, not only in material, but in the essential sense," Prime Minister Marković said and thanked his counterpart Haradinaj for seeing significance of everything that the Development Centre is and should become in the upcoming period.

The Prime Minister emphasised that the spirit of contemporary Montenegro built on democratic values has the elements of multiethnicity, multiculturalism and respect for equality among its citizens, regardless of their nationality, political or religious orientation. That is, he said, the asset we are proud of.

"I want to use this festive occasion to convey a message to all Montenegrins living in Kosovo and anywhere in the world – Montenegro will never forget your contribution to the preservation of Montenegrin identity and awareness of its importance while being constructive and loyal citizens of the countries you live in. I assure you that Montenegro will continue to support all your activities that are aimed at cherishing such values," Prime Minister Marković stressed.

He emphasised the importance of respecting diversity and cherishing European civilization values. PM Marković said that good-neighbourly cooperation is the basis for the joint goals of our two countries, reflected in the commitment to belonging to European and Euro-Atlantic structures.

Opening the Centre with Prime Minister Marković, Prime Minister of Kosovo Haradinaj said that Kosovo is the home of all citizens. President of Kosovo Hashim Thaci said that the Republic of Kosovo and Montenegro will always be friendly countries, while President of the Assembly of Kosovo Kadri Veseli said that the Montenegrins in Kosovo should feel like they are in Montenegro.

President of the Association of Montenegrins of Kosovo Slobodan Vujačić said that the Development Centre will be the home of all Montenegrins from Kosovo and urged the Government of Montenegro to strengthen the economic presence in Kosovo.

Alongside the highest officials of Kosovo – the President of the State, the President of the Assembly and the Prime Minister, representatives of the diplomatic corps and numerous representatives of Montenegrins in Kosovo also attended the opening of the Centre.

Prime Minister Marković continues his visit to Kosovo with a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Haradinaj, after which a joint press conference will be held. During his stay in Kosovo, the Prime Minister of Montenegro will attend the opening of the Arben Xhaferi motorway.

29 May 2019 - In this year's report, the European Commission has provided precise and detailed guidelines for the high-quality fulfillment of the obligations of joining the European Union, and it is the right moment for every member of Montenegrin society to see their role in the process of European integration and contribute to the EU accession through their work, Chief Negotiator Aleksandar Drljević said. 

The Chief Negotiator and the members of the Negotiating Group presented today the findings of the European Commission's Report on Montenegro to the representatives of Montenegrin media. A working breakfast with journalists on the occasion of the presentation of the EC Report on Montenegro was organised by the Secretariat-General of the Government of Montenegro, in cooperation with the Konrad Adenauer Foundation. 

Drljević reminded that this year's Report provides an assessment of the progress made, both in terms of fulfilling the political and economic criteria for EU membership, as well as the ability to take on the obligations of membership in 33 negotiating chapters. 

"The EC recorded the achieved results and Montenegro's progress in the accession process, but also gave precise and detailed guidelines in order to continue with the high-quality fulfillment of the obligations from the accession period, with emphasis on the areas in which additional efforts are needed in order for the reform effects to yield the desired results," Chief Negotiator Drljević stressed. 

He pointed out that in most negotiating chapters, the results and progress achieved during the reporting period were recognised, adding that the Montenegrin side is ready to open the last chapter 8, to obtain benchmarks for closing chapters 23 and 24, as well as to temporarily close several chapters. 

"The evaluations from the Report will serve as guidelines for further reform work whose ultimate goal is to achieve European quality of life in Montenegro. The publication of the EC Report represents a right opportunity for all members of our society, to see their role in the process of European integration and contribute to Montenegro's membership in the EU through their dedicated work," the Chief Negotiator emphasised. 

Journalists were interested in how the institutions will treat the recommendations contained in the Report, as well as the negotiators' comment on freedom of expression assessments and the plan to overcome all the challenges highlighted in the Report on the professionalism and efficiency of the judiciary. 

Negotiator for chapters 23 and 24 Marijana Laković is pleased with the progress made in the judicial reform, pointing out that the Draft Strategy for Judicial Reform has planned measures that are in line with EC recommendations. 

"When it comes to freedom of expression, the Government has made efforts to improve the situation during the reporting period, among other things, by changing the set of media laws whose adoption is expected by the end of this year. The dedication of the police and judiciary institutions is reflected in the fact that from four attacks on journalists three have been solved by final convictions, while hopefully, the court epilogue of the attack on journalist Oliver Lakić is expected soon. The EC highlighted the weakness of media self-regulation. It is not up to the Government, but up to you, representatives of the media community and the Government will provide full support in resolving this issue, without any interference with the independence of self-regulation," Laković said. 

Answering the question about the duration of the negotiation process, the Chief Negotiator said that he was satisfied with the work done, but it is ungrateful to forecast the date of EU accession. 

"There is still a lot of work to be done before accession. It is important to us that the perspective of membership exists, and the date of accession will depend not only on us, but also on the situation in the EU and its member states. We are aware that various events, such as Brexit, the migrant crisis and internal consolidation in the EU, reflect on the enlargement policy. We cannot influence events in the Union, but we can continue with our reform activities," Drljević concluded.

29 May 2019 - Montenegro continues to be a leader in the process of joining the European Union, and therefore retains the position of a stable and honest partner of the European Union in the Balkans, Deputy Prime Minister Zoran Pažin told the press following his meeting with the Head of the Delegation of the European Union to Montenegro Aivo Orav, who handed over to the Deputy Prime Minister the annual report on Montenegro's progress in the process of the EU accession.

"Montenegro does not expect and does not want the EU to turn a blind eye to it or to be admitted to the European Union before it fully meets all the necessary conditions for full membership. We responsibly accept the work that is ahead of us and we also expect that our efforts and results will be recognised and confirmed promptly. Montenegro's membership in the European Union is possible only if we are equally interested in it, both our European partners and us," said the Deputy Prime Minister.

He noted that the leading position of Montenegro in the current policy of enlargement of the European Union is not only an epithet, but also an obligation. "Montenegro, as a country where a clear institutional and legal framework has been established, today also shows that institutions are ready to implement laws, without exception and with a clear goal - to strengthen the country in which every citizen feels safe and lives a dignified life from their work, where institutions function as citizens' service. Of course, there is still more work to be done before we can start the final phase of the accession process that is waiting for us, as we hope for, from the end of this year. "

The Deputy Prime Minister expressed confidence that the Report will be a clear indication to all member states that Montenegro has achieved notable progress in the area of ​​the rule of law and that it is willing to open negotiations by the end of the year in the remaining Chapter 8, but also to get the closure criteria for negotiations in chapters 23 and 24 .

He announced that the Government would pay special attention this year to fulfiling certain recommendations he believes can contribute to further strengthening of credibility and trust in the institutions of the system. "In particular, I would like to emphasise certain activities that will be undertaken towards the strengthening of institutions dealing with the prevention of corruption, as well as further improvement of the environment for the professional work of the media."

He expressed satisfaction that the European Commission also showed that the enlargement policy is alive, stating that Montenegro, with 32 open and three temporarily closed chapters, is proud to retain the position of a leader in the enlargement policy, in which the first next candidate achieved only half such success.

"I would like to congratulate our friends from North Macedonia and Albania on the achieved success - getting the recommendation for opening of the EU accession negotiations, because their success is the success of the entire region, and when we have countries in the region that are on a clear path of adopting Western values, it is easier for Montenegro to persist and succeed on that path," the Deputy Prime Minister concluded.

28 May 2019 - "I am convinced that the system is as strong as it is effectively ready to respond to the expectations of those who need support most. One of the strengths of this component of our institutions is the introduction of the social card which, as you have noticed, is now in the second phase of implementation," said Prime Minister Duško Marković.

"The first phase included the optimal application of legal and institutional solutions in the field of material benefits, including automatic data exchange with nine other social protection systems, and rights from veterans' disability protection," Prime Minister Marković explained.

The Prime Minister emphasised that the second phase enables centers for social work to provide around 30 social services on "one counters" principle, adding: "Today, with certainty, we can say that the social card system has brought significant benefits to the citizens and the State, has enabled numerous reliefs, and the money that was previously needed to obtain a number of certificates. "

The Prime Minister recalled that since 2015 and the introduction of the Social Card, citizens have been obliged to give their ID cards, while other documents are obtained automatically.

"With the introduction of this system, a detailed audit of about 60,000 users was carried out, and on that occasion, a significant number of material benefits were created as a result of abuse by the then users. Only on this basis in June 2014 - January 2016, budget savings of 2.6 million euros were achieved. It is an illustrative fact that by using this System we are now able to calculate and realise about 84,000 individual solutions per month automatically," said the Prime Minister.

Safe in the knowledge that the introduction of the Social Card ensured the conduct of a quality, fair and efficient social policy through the implementation of the latest information technologies, PM Marković concluded:

"In the previous period of implementation, the Social Card really fulfilled the expectations and significantly influenced the quality of the provision of services in the field of social protection, and consequently the successful implementation of the structural reform of the social protection system."

28 May 2019 - Minister of Sustainable Development and Tourism Pavle Radulović and Minister of Environment and Spatial Planning of the Republic of North Macedonia Sadula Duraki signed in Podgorica the Agreement on Environmental Cooperation.

The agreement represents another cooperation mechanism by which Montenegro and North Macedonia will strive for synergy of initiatives in the spirit of openness, inclusiveness and mutual learning, facilitating the exchange of personnel, promoting coordinated development and joint progress in the field of the environment.

Minister Radulović noted that the agreement defines common priorities and further strengthening of cooperation, addressing environmental issues, through long-term and sustainable measures.

Both sides agreed that the official Podgorica and Skopje have established excellent bilateral relations and that the two countries will continue to support each other.

Minister Radulović also said that Montenegro has been developing as an ecological state, which requires dedication, perseverance, courageous decisions and significant financial investments.

"Montenegro is fully committed to meeting the obligations from the European agenda, accepting and applying European standards in the field of environment, sustainable development, but on this path does not forget our traditional friends with whom we want to develop and improve existing relations, for the benefit of our citizens," he pointed out.

He also stated that the fulfillment of the Initial Measure and the adoption of the Negotiating Position for Chapter 27 resulted in the opening of Chapter 27 - Environment and Climate Change at the Intergovernmental Conference, which took place in Brussels in December 2018, where the European Union sent a strong message, equally important for Montenegro, but also for other candidate countries, and proved that the association process is alive. 

He also stressed that the EU Enlargement Strategy for the Western Balkans represents a chance to intensify the reforms that have begun and to accelerate the path towards membership, by strengthening inter-institutional cooperation with all neighbouring countries, with a particular focus on the environment. 

"Conscious of the fact that the development of a modern society as an unavoidable consequence has a deterioration in the state of the environment, the combined action of governments, NGOs and the entire community is an imperative in the time to come," Minister Radulovic concluded, pointing out that preserving the environment is a cornerstone of modern sustainable development, for the survival of future generations and the presumption of the future of all of us. 

Minister Duraki expressed his wish for the more intensive cooperation between the two countries, especially in the area of ​​exchange of experience in the treatment of all types of waste.

28 May 2019 - Minister of Foreign Affairs Srđan Darmanović participated in the meeting of diplomats of the Višegrad Group (V4) and the Western Balkan countries, which took place in Bratislava, within the framework of the Slovakian presidency of V4. The meeting discussed the modalities of accelerating reforms and the integration process in the Western Balkans and exchanged views on a common European future in the context of the contemporary challenges facing the international community.

Minister Darmanović stressed that the assistance of the V4 countries to Montenegro's reform process is very important and that their firm support for the integration aspirations of the countries of the region contributes to faster accession to European and Euro-Atlantic structures.

"We have witnessed serious challenges for the European Union in the previous period, but in spite of that, the prospect of enlargement, which is often the most successful EU policy, is very certain, and it is important to be further strengthened," the head of Montenegrin diplomacy noted. He expressed the belief that the issue of enlargement will be high on the agenda of the new European Commission and Parliament while respecting the approach to the individual assessment of candidate countries' progress.

"Faster integration of the Western Balkans into the European Union is essential for further stabilisation and economic progress in the region," Minister Darmanović said, adding that the continuity of integration processes remains the most effective catalyst for reforms in the Western Balkan countries. Emphasising that enlargement is a two-pronged process, the Foreign Minister reiterated that Montenegro is firmly and resolutely committed to meeting its obligations on the path to full EU membership.

The meeting underlined that closer cooperation in the context of European integration and the implementation of joint projects would contribute to sustainable economic development and further stability of the region. Particular emphasis was placed on the importance of the Union's greater presence in the Western Balkans, with the continuation of reforms in terms of the rule of law and the enhancement of the institutional framework.