Barroso in Podgorica: My visit to Montenegro sign of support for its European future

Podgorica, Montenegro (6 December 2014) -- Prime Minister of Montenegro Milo Đukanović met Friday in Podgorica with former President of the European Commission Jose Manuel Barroso.

Mr Barroso said he is proud of the fact that the accession talks with Montenegro were opened during the mandate of the European Commission he headed. He also commended Montenegro’s track record developed in the integration process, as well as its economic and political achievements. 

He particularly emphasised the constructive role of Montenegro and Prime Minister Đukanović in building and maintaining stability in the region.

Jose Manuel Barroso stated he believes the enlargement of the EU is fully justified, stressing the process is a success story, which the countries of the Western Balkan should join after the membership requirements are fulfilled. He added that his visit to Montenegro testifies to the support for the country's European future.

Prime Minister Milo Đukanović noted that during Mr Barroso's term of office Montenegro made a historic step towards a united Europe. He reiterated his government’s political determination to overcome all the challenges towards achieving standards that will result in better quality of life and Montenegro’s accession to the EU and NATO.

PM Đukanović underlined that the necessity of building high-quality infrastructure in the region, which will connect it with developed Europe, is not only an economic issue, but also a matter of strengthening confidence and contributing to the stability in the region.

Importance of infrastructural linking was also recognised at the recent Berlin’s conference on the Western Balkan, sponsored by German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Jose Manuel Barroso pointed out.

Both sides agreed that recent meetings with EU representatives have sent a clear message about the continuation of a proactive European policy, which encourages the countries of the region to continue the reform process on the path towards their full membership in the European Union.