The Head of the Delegation of the European Union to Montenegro, Ms Oana Kristina Popa, has noted that the EC Report on Montenegro contained a number of recommendations and guidelines that all relevant political actors should meet and work together in order to make quick progress in key EU accession reforms. She told the press today that faster progress of Montenegro on the road to EU or closing a chapter have not been the only aims, but rather the fact that any successfully implemented reform would mean a better life for the people of Montenegro.
As regards political criteria, Ms Popa said that the lack of dialogue and mistrust among political actors were recognized.
“A comprehensive revision of the electoral framework hasn’t been conducted yet. The elections resulted in an unprecedented change of the ruling majority composition. Now is the time for the new parliament to affirm a broad international consensus and demonstrate commitment to Montenegro’s reform agenda,” she noted.
The rule of law is a key measure for Montenegro’s progress. In this regard, the Report recognizes limited progress in Chapter 24.
“Last year’s recommendations regarding the judiciary were only partially addressed, while challenges related to the independence, professionalism, efficiency and accountability still exist,” Ms Popa added.
She praised the adoption of the Same-sex Law, as Montenegro was the first country in Europe to do it.
However, Montenegro hasn’t recorded progress with regard to the freedom of expression for years in a row although a range of revised media laws were passed.
“It has been overshadowed by arrests and proceedings against editors of on-line portals and citizens for content they posted or shared online during 2020,” Ms Popa underlined.
Source: CdM
