Montenegro has made progress in the work on action plans, in particular when talking about aligning the legislative framework, but it is necessary to make more progress in the field of fight against corruption and organized crime, said European Commission’s official Dirk Lange.
Chief Negotiator of Montenegro Aleksandar Andrija Pejovic and Lange, Head of the Unit for Montenegrin in the EC Directorate for Neighborhood Policy and Enlargement, opened Wednesday the fifth meeting of the Montenegro-EC Justice, Freedom and Security Subcommittee.
Lange praised revision of action plans for chapters 23 and 24 of the negotiation processes, stating that it was up to country to implement them in adequate manner.
“It does not mean that you did not fulfill anything, but on contrary. That shows maturity on your side, as well as readiness to revise the system and adopt is when needed”, Lange explained.
According to him, generally speaking, Montenegro has achieved progress in the work on action plans, in particular when speaking about aligning of the legislation.
“What we would like to see is more progress in field of fight against corruption and organized crime”, said he.
Lange emphasized the importance of strengthening of capacities of State Electoral Commission (DIK).
“For now it is only on paper, it is necessary to see more efficient results in practice”, Lange said.
He commented on the creation of new institutions, stating that establishing of a new Anti-Corruption Agency and the Special Public Prosecution cannot be delayed.
Lange also commented on the cooperation of the relevant authorities with the civil sector in the reform process and the field of rule of law.
Emphasizing the importance of holding of the Subcommittee’s session and support that the EU offers to Montenegro in this field, Pejovic reiterated that Montenegro was the first country which reached achievements in chapters 23 and 24 by applying “new approach”.
“The Subcommittee’s meeting contributes to further improvement of the dialogue with the EU and further affirmation of the cooperation with the EC”, said he.
Pejovic also emphasized the completed reform of electoral legislation during the last year, as well as finalization of the legislation in the field of judiciary.
Mina News Agency
