EU Demands Faster Reform in Montenegro

The head of the European Council, Donald Tusk, said on Tuesday after meeting Montenegrin Prime Minister Milo Djukanovic in Brussels, that strengthening the rule of law and fighting against organised crime and corruption were the key issues that Montenegro has to tackle on its path towards the EU.

Tusk praised Montenegro's progress in the accession negotiations with the EU so far but urged the country to intensify legislative reform, saying that Brussels would be closely monitoring the country's progress in this area.

"The EU remains fully committed to Montenegro's future in the European Union. With the strong political determination of the governments [of EU member states] and the Montenegrin side, the country can succeed," he said. 

Tusk also said that the fact that Montenegro had harmonised its foreign policy with the EU's deserved special recognition.

Although it has close historical ties to Russia, Montenegro backed EU sanctions against Moscow last March, imposed for the Kremlin's role in the Ukraine crisis.

Djukanovic said it was important to have realistic policies and to be aware that membership of the EU "can be accomplished only by pursuing overall social reform".

"We are fully aware that we are at the beginning of our journey," he added. 

Earlier on Tuesday, Djukanovic met EU Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, who said that the Commission was "impressed" by Montenegro's track record on its European path, particularly referring to the country's economic progress and the stability of public finances.

Juncker praised  Montenegro's stated commitment to promote the rule of law and freedom of the media, calling it "encouraging." 

Montenegro obtained EU candidate status...