26 October 2018 - Montenegrin companies nowadays have the opportunity to improve their business, especially through the use of pre-accession funds of the European Union, which is crucial for strengthening the economic structure, Chief Negotiator Aleksandar Drljević said at the conference "Balkans and European Union – a five-year cycle of the Berlin Process".
Speaking at the panel 2014-2018 Western Balkans and European Union – Perspectives, Drljević stressed that accession negotiations, although a demanding and long-lasting process, represent the best mechanism for the adoption of European standards, recalling that the better quality of life of Montenegrin citizens is the goal of such activities.
In addition to political reforms, which are the backbone of the new approach, both in the accession period of Montenegro and other Western Balkan countries, we are working hard to meet the economic criteria for membership. Economic reforms contribute to strengthening the business sector, improving the business environment and they are preparing us – once we join the EU – to participate equally on the market of over 500 million consumers, without customs and other import restrictions, without the barriers to the free movement of goods, services, working strength and capital, the Chief Negotiator said.
The Montenegrin administration, due to the implementation of various support programmes, in cooperation with its neighbours and the EU, is continuously working on the development of high-quality infrastructure in the areas of transport and energy, with the aim of ensuring adequate trade and economic connection of the region. In particular, he outlined EU programmes, such as Cosme and Horizon 2020, aimed at fostering the competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises.
I believe that the success of a single Western Balkan country is the success of all of us. The principle of the regatta, which implies the principle of the individual merits of each country, is nothing more than an additional stimulus to continue with the ongoing work, Drljević said.
Deputy Chief Negotiator – National IPA Coordinator Ivana Glišević Đurović pointed out that Montenegro is very successful in attracting funds from the EU, as shown in the 2007-2013 financial perspective, where 96% of the available EUR 235 million was used. She pointed to the importance of strengthening administrative capacities.
The Deputy Chief Negotiator also pointed to the importance of the Berlin Process for implementing reforms on the path to the EU.
