Igor Lukšić

Germany's Foreign Minister pledged Berlin's strong support for Montenegro's strategic foreign policy goals of EU and NATO membership, hailing the country as "a success story in the region.

"I would like to see more examples like Montenegro," Steinmeier said on Wednesday after a meeting in Berlin with the Montenegrin Prime Minister, Milo Djukanovic.

The veteran leader of Montenegro is to meet German Chancellor Angela Merkel during his official visit to Berlin on Wednesday, mainly to discuss the country's prospects of joining  NATO and the EU.

NATO secretary-general Jens Stoltenberg said on Wednesday that Montenegro has made "real progress towards membership".

Speaking after talks in Brussels with Montenegrin Prime Minister Milo Djukanovic, Stoltenberg said Podgorica had "introduced substantial reforms" to improve the the rule of law in the country as well as the defence and intelligence sectors.

NATO's door is open, Montenegrin PM told

BRUSSELS -- NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has said that the door of the Alliance remains open for Montenegro.

He made the comment after meeting with Montenegrin Prime Minister Milo Djukanovic on Wednesday.

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.

Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borisov has urged all Balkan countries to join NATO and the EU, adding that this is the only move that would bring the much-needed security in the region.

Speaking Friday after a meeting with the Prime Minister of Montenegro Milo Djukanovic, Borisov expressed hopes that Montenegro would join NATO by end-2015.

Montenegro pursues NATO admission

A slew of reforms and awareness campaigns are among the steps Montenegro is taking to secure NATO membership before the end of 2015.

French President Francois Hollande (right), with Montenegrin Prime Minister Milo Djukanovic in Paris on December 10th, said his country opposes new NATO members. [AFP]

Parliament on Wednesday approved the new cabinet of Prime Minister Milo Djukanovic, tasked with reviving the economy and leading Montenegro closer to NATO and EU membership.

MPs from the ruling coalition voted in favour of new education, culture, health, justice and labour ministers. The opposition voted against the new cabinet.

Djukanovic on Monday presented the five new ministers to the leaderhip of his ruling Democratic Party of Socialists, DPS after months of speculation about changes within the government.
 
It is expected that parliament will vote on the new Education, Culture, Health, Justice and Labour ministers at its session scheduled for Tuesday.

Prime Minister Minister Milo Djukanovic on Wednesday said Montenegro expects an invitation to join NATO by the end of the year and is working hard to meet the conditions.

Commenting on the French President's statement of opposition to NATO enlargement, Djukanovic said he did not see in Francois Hollande's words any intention to revise NATO's policy towards Montenegro.