Political instability slowed down the negotiations, and there were concerns about changes in the president's powers

The European Union (EU) will officially confirm that the political crisis in Montenegro is the reason for the slowdown of accession negotiations.

The draft conclusions to be adopted by the EU General Affairs Council will express concern over political and government instability. The Council of the EU will express special concern over the Assembly's decision to change the President's powers by adopting legislation under an urgent procedure. It is expected that the necessity to bring all legislation into line with the constitution will be emphasized.

The Council (EU) appeals to all political actors in Montenegro to show responsibility, overcome polarization and calls on them to refrain from any action that could further deepen the institutional crisis and undermine the country's democratic institutions. Montenegrin political actors need to build a consensus in order to restore the functionality of democratic institutions and administration necessary to fulfill the proclaimed key goal of Montenegro's integration into the EU - it is emphasized in the draft conclusions that Radio Free Europe (RSE) has access to.

These conclusions will be adopted by the ministers responsible for European affairs at a meeting to be held on December 13. The same conclusions will then be approved by the EU heads of state and government at the summit scheduled for December 15 and 16.

Along with Serbia, Montenegro is considered a leader in the region in the EU accession process.

In the membership negotiations, 33 chapters were opened and only three were closed. However, due to a standstill in the necessary reforms, Montenegro has not progressed in ongoing negotiations for more than two years. The last time Montenegro opened chapters was in June 2020. The political instability in the country, which characterized practically the entire current year, additionally influenced the slowing down of the European integration process.

The draft conclusions further encourage Montenegro to increase efforts, especially in critical areas such as freedom of expression and media, and the fight against corruption and organized crime.

Acknowledging the progress achieved so far, the Council emphasizes the need to improve the results in investigations, criminal prosecutions, final judgments and confiscation of property acquired through criminal acts - it is stated in the draft conclusions and calls on the official Podgorica to "without delay" abolish any scheme or measure that would could compromise or jeopardize alignment with the acquis and EU policies.

With the adopted conclusions, the European Union will appreciate the constructive commitment of Montenegro to the further development of regional cooperation and the improvement of good neighborly relations.

The country will be "strongly commended" for its consistent cooperation on foreign policy issues, and in particular its firm and long-term and full alignment with the Common Foreign and Security Policy, including EU restrictive measures, which shows, as the document states, "a strong signal of strategic commitment Montenegro on its way to the EU".

I.B.