President of the Parliament of Montenegro Mr Ranko Krivokapić thanked the SAPC MPs from the European Parliament for significant and crucial contribution to development of Montenegro as well as help for faster and safer movement on the European path with as few as possible mistakes. He added that in short period of time Montenegro moved from the rear to the leader position in the region, which represented a great chance for wisdom of new generations and wisdom of Montenegro as well. President Krivokapić concluded that Montenegro was historically orientated to great challenges, and that even regarding the amendments to the Constitution, there was a ground for optimism because those would be completed as soon as possible.

Chair of the European Parliament Delegation for relations with Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro and Kosovo Mr Eduard Kukan assessed that Montenegro had made the greatest progress in the negotiations process and that it represented an example of the EU enlargement. He warned that the enlargement was not just a process, but a lever for improving the situation of the state, so the challenges, such as the reform of the economy, the autonomy of the judiciary and the involvement of women should not be forgotten. He stated that basic values should be always strengthened and pointed out to the areas which should be changed in democratization process, especially when it comes to the election process.

During the introductory part of the Meeting, on behalf of the Government of Montenegro, the present were addressed  by the Vice President of the Government of Montenegro and Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration Mr Igor Lukšić, who stated that Montenegro had been fulfilling obligations according to the planned dynamics, that it opened and temporarily closed two Chapters, rounded negotiations structure and that there was pending adoption of action plans for the most vulnerable chapters. He added that, in addition to conduction of internal reforms, Montenegro was dedicated to stronger regional connection.

On behalf of presidency over the Council of the European Union, the Ambassador of the Ireland Republic to Montenegro H.E. Mr Kevin Dowling also spoke, saying that Montenegro achieved progress, especially regarding the work of the Parliament and reform of the administration system, but also that further efforts were necessary for strengthening judicial independence and administrative capacities. He pointed out that negotiations started well and that communications with civil society was of great importance

Head of the Unit for Croatia and Montenegro Mr Dirk Lange addressed on behalf of the European Commission, emphasising that Montenegro showed its firm commitment to the tasks set before it, and the opening and closing of chapters 23 and 24 were the biggest challenge. He considers that it is crucial to strike a balance between setting of conditions and decisions-making, expressing hope that amendments to the Constitution would be adopted prior to opening Chapters 23 and 24.

During the continuation of the Meeting, MPs considered the progress of Montenegro compared with recommendations adopted on the previous SAPC meeting as well as results in the field of fighting organised crime and corruption, including strengthening the role of the Parliament in the process, legal framework and recent developments in media sector.

The Sixth SAPC Meeting will be continued tomorrow, at 9:00, with the discussion on recent elections, including amendments to the electoral law and its application, as well as development after the financial crisis, and  relation between the Eurozone-Montenegro

Following the two day work, it is planned the SAPC members to adopt tomorrow recommendations confirming the progress achieved in various fields within the process of Montenegrin joining to the EU and to identify fields where additional efforts should be made with the aim of fulfilling European standards necessary for full-fledged membership to the European Union.

Press Conference where President of the Parliament of Montenegro Mr Ranko Krivokapić and Chair of the European Parliament Delegation for relations with Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro and Kosovo Mr Eduard Kukan will speak is scheduled for Tuesday, 30 April 2013, at 12:30, in the Hall of the Parliament.