On 29 March, by a vast majority, the European Parliament adopted the proposal for a resolution ⁽¹⁾ on the 2011 follow-up report on Montenegro carried out by the European Commission. MEPs underlined the rapid progress made by the country in pursuing accession to the EU. “The progress made by Montenegro in view of its accession is very encouraging,” said rapporteur Charles Tannock (ECR, UK).

The Commission, the Council and the EP all agree that Montenegro demonstrates a strong political will to conform to the EU’s requirements as quickly as possible. “The authorities are showing real determination to carry out ambitious reforms,” said Enlargement Commissioner Stefan Fule. He was backed by the Danish Minister for Foreign Affairs, Nicolai Wammen: “The country is systematically working to obtain satisfactory results”. In its resolution, the EP focused on respect for the environment in order to boost tourism, the reduction of bureaucracy in the interest of economic growth, and the country’s constructive role in regional cooperation. In 2010, the Commission had defined seven key fields which Montenegro should work on: important efforts have been made in most sectors but there is still some way to go in terms of revising the constitution, fighting corruption and organised crime, implementing legislation on the financing of political parties, and the fight against discrimination.

The Commission is set to publish its progress report in May. The Council has announced that it intends to start accession negotiations as early as June. “The European future of Montenegro is within reach,” said Wammen.