As host of the dinner, Deputy Chairperson of the Committee on European Integration Ms Marija Maja Ćatović informed the guests on the role of the Committee in negotiation process, and on that occasion she pointed out that the parliamentary consensus regarding achieving the European standards and finalising reforms contributed to dynamics of negotiation. She recalled the adoption of the set of laws in the field of judiciary, which not only ensured normative framework of action but also confirmed Montenegro’s dedication on its path towards the EU. With regard to the oversight activity, Ms Ćatović said that the Committee was regularly organising consultative hearings, where it considered important documents and other information from Montenegro’s accession process to the EU. In that respect, she referred to the constructive discussion which was held at today’s joint meeting with the Committee on Economy, Finance and Budget, with regard to effective spending of IPA funds.   

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Latvia Mr Edgars Rinkēvičs said that Montenegro’s progress in comparison to his first visit in 2006 was evident, and that the EU member states had recognised it, and Latvia as the EU presiding state welcomed Montenegro’s efforts made regarding reforms so far, and encouraged it to take further action, especially in the field of combating corruption and organised crime, and the work of the Special Prosecutor’s Office. Mr Rinkēvičs was inquiring about the role of the NGO sector in the negotiation process, and on that occasion the role of the Committee aimed at promotion and inclusiveness of the overall negotiation process was emphasised, which the Committee exercised through organising of public debates on chapters, with participation of representatives of the civil sector, emphasising their active role in working groups for preparation of negotiations. Minister Rinkēvičs expressed pleasure over the opened chapters, pointing out that he was especially pleased with the fact that two of the chapters were opened during the Latvian presidency, and he expressed hope that Montenegro would open two more chapters by June.

The participants in the meeting agreed that Montenegro was facing further efforts in key areas of the rule of law and combating corruption and organised crime, and that the adoption of laws was important, but the implementation was crucial. 

In addition to Minister Rinkēvičs, the Latvian Delegation consisted of H. E. Mr Imants Viesturs Lieģis, Ambassador of the Republic of Latvia in Montenegro; Ms Ilze Rūse, Director of European Department; Mr Atis Lots, Head of Minister's Office; Mr Mārtiņš Drēģeris, Advisor to the Minister and Ms Lilita Cīrule, Second Secretary at the Department for SEE and EU Enlargement.

In addition to MP Ms Ćatović, on behalf of the Committee on European Integration, the participants in the discussion were Committee members Mr Koča Pavlović and Mr Genci Nimanbegu.