The President of the EU General Affairs and External Relations Council, the foreign minister of Slovenia Dr Dimitrij Rupel, President of the EU General Affairs and External Relations Council and Foreign Minister of Slovenia, headed today in Brussels the meeting of the EU Troika with the delegation of Montenegro, headed by Foreign Minister Milan Roćen.
Rupel described the meeting as very positive and encouraging. "Montenegro declared independence less than two years ago and shows successful progress," said Minister Rupel, noting that Montenegro has adopted a new constitution and signed a Stabilisation and Association Agreement with the EU, as well as the Agreement on visa facilitation and the return of persons.
At today's meeting the ministers also exchanged opinions on the internal political situation in the country – the change of the prime minister and the approaching presidential elections. They talked also about relations between the EU and Montenegro and the situation in the broader region. The EU invited Montenegro to further establish and strengthen state structures, and encouraged it to build on the progress already achieved with the reforms necessary for moving towards EU accession. In the opinion of the Troika, Montenegro should focus especially on increased administrative capacities and the fight against organised crime and corruption. In any event, the EU warmly welcomed the clear commitment of the Montenegrin government to a European future and to good cooperation with the EU in the implementation of this commitment.
