The German GIZ institute for international cooperation and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration hosted a workshop in Kolašin on 3-5 November 2014 devoted to the adaptation of action plans for Chapters 23 and 24.
The event gathered representatives of state institutions and NGOs who participate in the working groups on those chapters, GIZ, EU Commission, EU Delegation to Montenegro, as well as Croatian experts who provided support in drafting the action plans and TAIEX, EUROPOL, and UK experts.
The meeting was launched by negotiator for these chapters Svetlana Rajković who underlined the importance of adapting these most important strategic documents in the rule of law area. She emphasised that this workshop, which gathered many experts, is an example of team effort and partnership between Montenegro and its colleagues from across Europe.
In his address to participants, State Secretary for European affairs and Chief Negotiator Ambassador Aleksandar Andrija Pejović underlined that the processes of drafting and especially implementing the action plans has been an invaluable experience both for Montenegro and for the Commission, which is applying the new approach to negotiations for the first time. The experience has helped us identify real and potential challenges in implementing obligations and it has shown u clearly how to redefine the plans, both in terms of intensifying activities and improving the coordination mechanisms and of making tangibe results.
Head of Unit for Montenegro at DG Enlargement Dirk Lange underlined that the Commission will continue supporting Montenegro in pursuing its action plans by offering it technical and expert assistance. He underlined that the negotiating framework for Montenegro will serve as a model for other countries in the enlargement process for which reason it is equally important to the Commission as it is to Montenegro that the established mechanisms prove efficient and successful.
GIZ South East Europe manager Alexandra Hilbig underlined the importance of maintaining constant progress in EU accession. In that regard she announced GIZ would continue supporting Montenegro the region in meeting European commitments.
The meeting served as an opportunity to sum up the results, analyse challenges, and exchange views and experience as regards the implementation of commitments from the action plans. The participants had a fruitful exchange and offered concrete solutions for more efficient implementation of commitments in these areas.
