The resolution of the European Parliament on Montenegro was voted, and the amendments related to the census were adopted

At today's session, the European Parliament adopted Tonino Picula's Resolution on Montenegro. 529 EP deputies voted for the document, while 51 voted against it. The remaining 53 abstained.
In the resolution prepared by Picula, it is emphasized, among other things, that high political tensions and polarization have led to a halt in the process of Montenegro's accession to the European Union (EU).
Picula and Socialist MP Pedro Marques also submitted amendments to the report proposing that the upcoming population, household and apartment census be conducted in accordance with EU standards and only after the political deadlock in the country ends.
Montenegro is called upon to conduct the long overdue population and housing census in accordance with international and EU standards and as soon as the political deadlock in the country is over, so that this important issue is not used as another excuse to strengthen the polarization of society - it is stated in the Picula amendments and Marques. These amendments were also adopted.
In the adopted Resolution, it is assessed that the failure to build a consensus on issues of national interest and the lack of inter-party dialogue is the reason why progress in EU-related reforms has been delayed and "pushed Montenegro into a deep political and institutional crisis".
At last night's debate in the EU, Picula said that he hoped to start his speech in the EP by congratulating Montenegro on getting closer to the EU path and closing the chapter. Instead, says Picula, he was denied by the real situation from the official Podgorica.
Montenegro is still a formal leader in integration, but in six years it has not closed a single chapter. In practice, the country got a new political reality. The list of candidates for the EU has expanded, and all other countries have progressed, while Montenegro is missing its opportunities - said Picula in the EP.
This is his last report for Montenegro in the current mandate.
European elections will be held in June 2024, which will result in a new structure for this institution.
With this document, the members of the European Parliament emphasize the urgent need for political stability and substantial progress in key reforms related to the EU, especially in electoral and judicial reforms and the fight against organized crime and corruption.
The improvement of the situation in the prevention of corruption is positively evaluated, the positive efforts in the field of illegal trade, especially cigarette smuggling, are welcomed, and the European representatives call on Montenegro to develop a comprehensive strategy for the fight against human trafficking and the protection of its victims.
Concern is expressed about the deep political polarization in the Montenegrin media environment and the lack of independence of the public broadcaster.
POBJEDA