Seventh Meeting of the European Union - Montenegro Stabilisation and Association Parliamentary Committee (SAPC), being co-chaired by Mr Ranko Krivokapić, President of the Parliament of Montenegro and Mr Eduard Kukan, Chair of European Union Delegation for relations with Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro and Kosovo, started in Strasbourg.

At the opening of the SAPC, President of the Parliament of Montenegro Mr Ranko Krivokapić emphasised that since the last meeting of the Committee, the Parliament of Montenegro had additionally improved its legislative and control role, which was confirmed in the last Montenegro Progress Report.  He stressed adoption of the Constitutional amendments in the part of judiciary reform as a special achievement, hence the Parliament had shown the necessary maturity for adopting key decisions important for its further European path.

Speaking of the opening of chapters 23 and 24, Krivokapić emphasised that the field of rule of law was crucial for further democratic development of Montenegro.

In that context, he said that Montenegro has existed for a long time as a state, but with no great democratic experience, thus every support to Montenegro was appreciated, especially support by European parliamentarians.

Mr Krivokapić expressed confidence that Montenegrin parliamentarians would demonstrate, in the meeting, the competence for reaching an agreement as well as competence for adopting joint recommendations.

Mr Eduard Kukan, SAPC co-chair, said that Montenegro had continued to be the leader of European integrations in the region, thus it could serve as successful example to other countries.  He emphasised the significance of Montenegro’s progress in chapters 23 and 24 in the period to come, since those chapters cover issues that were the most important indicator of democracy success of every country.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Justice in the Government of Montenegro Mr Duško Marković, reminded, at the opening of SAPC, of the significant results that Montenegro had achieved in the past period, related to strengthening of institutional mechanisms in the field of strengthening the rule of law. He announced that Montenegro would continue activities related to reform of judiciary, fight against corruption and organised crime and improvement of fundamental rights and freedoms.

The following also spoke at the opening of the SAPC: Deputy Prime Minister of the Government of Lithuania Mr Vytautas Leškevičiu, on behalf of presiding country of the EU, as well as Mr Dirk Lange, Head of the Unit of Montenegro, on behalf of the European Commission.

During the day, Montenegrin and European parliamentarians discussed issues related to the current state of play in accession negotiations between the EU and Montenegro, implementation of legislation in the field of fight against organised crime as well as case law and fulfilment of recommendations from the previous meeting.

Tomorrow, at the SAPC meeting, joint recommendations will be adopted.