MEPs welcome the new government’s explicit commitment to further pursue EU integration and commend Montenegro’s progress in the accession negotiations.
Stressing that it is vital not to reverse earlier achievements in the reform process, MEPs encourage the new government to use its mandate to accelerate EU-related reforms. Concerned about the tense political climate in the country, they also note that an open and constructive dialogue between all political and social stakeholders is fundamental for Montenegro’s progress on the EU path. In the report on the 2019-2020 Commission reports on Montenegro they commend Montenegro’s progress in several areas of the accession negotiations, including international police cooperation and the fight against organised crime and called on the authorities to accelerate reforms, particularly on the rule of law and fundamental rights, the judiciary, media freedom and the fight against corruption. Members are also worried about the highly polarised media landscape, in particular about the growing volume of disinformation. They call for European cooperation with Montenegro to address disinformation, and cyber and hybrid threats. Montenegro is increasingly vulnerable as its public debt grows, in particular to China, MEPs say. In that regard, Commission should, together with other international financial institutions, find a reasonable solution to support Montenegro’s fiscal sustainability, states the report. Besides, those politically responsible for the highly controversial Chinese Bar-Boljare highway loan have to be held to account, insist MEPs.
Majority of citizens support EU membership
Recent public opinion surveys show that an increasing number of Montenegrin citizens (76.6%) support the country becoming an EU member state, one of the highest rates of public support for the EU in the region, note MEPs. This is a clear message to the new government that the people want reforms based on European values, they stress. Bilateral relations with Serbia have been marked by tensions, and MEPs insist that all bilateral disputes be resolved through inclusive and non-confrontational dialogue, while avoiding any form of foreign interference in domestic issues. The COVID-19 pandemic has had an impact on Montenegro’s economy, with its GDP decreasing by 14.3% in 2020. MEPs therefore call on the authorities to use EU assistance effectively to mitigate the impact of the crisis. They also appeal to the EU for further assistance to ensure that a sufficient amount of COVID-19 vaccines are available to people in all Western Balkan countries as soon as possible
The rapporteur Tonino Picula (S&D, HR) said: .”With this report we reaffirm the European Parliament’s strong support to Montenegro’s EU accession process. We also encourage the country – as a front runner in the accession process, to continue delivering on its EU reform agenda, in particular in the area of the rule of law. High and growing public support for the EU membership should be an incentive for the Montenegrin stakeholders to work together towards fulfilling this common goal.” The report was adopted by 518 votes in favour, 97 votes against and 77 abstentions.
