Montenegro: rol oppositie in het omgaan met de huidige uitdagingen (en)

European Commission

MEMO

Brussels, 30 May 2013

Montenegro: Role of opposition in tackling current challenges

Brussels (30th June) - Commissioner for Enlargement and Neighbourhood Policy, Štefan Füle, met with the Chairman of the "Positive Montenegro" party, Darko PAJOVIĆ, in Brussels today.

Their meeting focused on recent developments in the country, current challenges for the political system and institutions and the role of the opposition in tackling them. They also discussed the process of accession negotiations, particularly in the area of the rule of law. Commissioner Füle stressed the importance of maintaining momentum in the implementation of the necessary reforms. "Progress in the accession negotiations now requires swift adoption of constitutional amendments, strengthening the independence and accountability of the judiciary as recommended by the Venice Commission. Parliament has a key responsibility in these and related reforms which will also contribute to the necessary strengthening of public trust in the country´s institutions," Commissioner Füle said.

He further noted that while the government bears the main responsibility to act, the opposition needs to play a constructive role. Commissioner Füle appreciated the role of the "Positive Montenegro" party as an important stakeholder acting within the constitutional framework to strengthen the democratic institutions and agreed on continuing the dialogue with this party.