Chairperson of the Committee on European Integration Mr Slaven Radunović met today with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Finland Mr Erkki Tuomioja, who is paying an official visit to Montenegro.

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Finland said that the competences of the Grand Committee of the Parliament of Finland were defined by the Constitution prior to its accession to the EU, for the purpose of providing a significant role of the Parliament in European integration process. He added that, following Finland membership to the EU, Government’s attitudes relating legislation, budget or founding treaties must obtain consent of the competent umbrella committee, prior to their presentation in Brussels.  Referring to the further enlargement of the Union, the Minister emphasised that Finland supported efforts of Montenegro on its European path, expressing willingness for improvement of economic and political cooperation between the two countries.

Informing the Minister on the main competences of the Committee on European Integration, Mr Ranović emphasised that parliamentarians strived to strengthen control the role of the Parliament in the negotiation process, by stronger positioning of the Committee on European Integration in terms of monitoring the course of negotiations and procedures of important documents. Not denying the fact that the government was leading the negotiation process, Mr Radunović pointed out that MPs as representatives of citizens should provide greater inclusion of public in the negotiating process, which should be transparent so to allow citizens an insight into the benefits and disadvantages of the EU membership. Chairperson said that he saw negotiations as a shortcut leading to adoption of democratic principles, development of political awareness and provision of economic standards.

It was mutually emphasised that opening of negotiations for chapter 23 and 24 as a result of fulfilled preconditions was important for the further process in order to meet European standards through effective implementation of reforms.