Draft Report on Montenegro Presented in EP

European Parliament (BETAPHOTO/European Parliament/Alain ROLLAND)

The permanent rapporteur of the European Parliament (EP) for Montenegro, Marjan Sarec, presented the draft report on Montenegro before the EP on Feb. 25 and assessed that Montenegro could complete the EU accession negotiations by the end of this year if it “maintains progress in the rule of law and political stability.”

“The final success will depend on sustainable results in the rule of law, political stability and the capability to set the strategic goal of membership above the daily politics. If this maturity persists, the goal of completing the negotiations by the end of 2026 is reachable,” Sarec stated before the EP’s Committee on Foreign Affairs, as reported by the local media.

In the draft report, Montenegro is encouraged to additionally work on fulfilling the standards pertaining to the rule of law. The report also indicates the need for political stability and constructive inter-party cooperation and reforms. “Deep concern” was expressed “over the malicious foreign interference, destabilizing activities, hybrid threats and disinformation campaigns, performed in Montenegro by actors from third countries.”

The draft resolution, to be voted on in May, and then at a plenary session in Strasbourg in June this year, further emphasizes the “need for the further strengthening of the independence and efficiency of the judiciary, quicker and more transparent appointments in the courts and prosecution and sustainable results in the fight against high corruption and organized crime.”