The Stabilization and Association Parliamentary Committee (SAPC) of the European Union (EU) has urged Montenegro to align its electoral legal framework with EU standards completely. They emphasized the need to establish a unified date for holding local elections across the state.

As reported by the Parliament, the 23rd meeting of the POSP in Strasbourg concluded today with the adoption of a joint Declaration including recommendations directed at the Stabilization and Association Council, the institutions of Montenegro, and the EU.

During the two-day meeting, discussions centered around the current status of accession negotiations, the Reform Agenda focusing on the rule of law and electoral reforms, and security cooperation in the Mediterranean region.

The POSP indicated that the enlargement policy remains a high priority within the European agenda and encouraged Montenegro to take this opportunity to advance the negotiation process with the Union, achieving its strategic objectives.

The Declaration reaffirms the significance of the Union’s enlargement policy towards the Western Balkans, highlighting Montenegro’s steadfast commitment to its strategic pathway toward EU membership.

“It is underscored that each candidate country should be assessed based on its individual merits, real progress, and objective evaluations of its compliance with accession criteria,” the document states.

Additionally, Montenegro’s achievements in the EU accession process over the past year are commended, along with its ongoing ambitious efforts to finalize the remaining negotiation chapters.

The Declaration acknowledges Montenegro’s readiness to potentially join the Union within the next few years, especially during the current term of the European Parliament.

It calls for Montenegro to completely harmonize its electoral legal framework with EU standards, particularly concerning the alignment of electoral laws, voting rights, candidate eligibility, transparency, dispute resolution mechanisms, and monitoring of campaign financing.

“There is a call for enhanced oversight of the media landscape to counter fake news and disinformation,” states the document.

Furthermore, the Declaration advocates for the continued operation of the Parliamentary Committee for Comprehensive Electoral Reform and the implementation of pertinent recommendations from the OSCE/ODIHR.

Members of the POSP emphasized the necessity of setting a unified date for local elections at the state level to enhance governance efficiency, reduce political tensions, and bolster the stability and effectiveness of both local and state institutions, aligning with the commitments outlined in the Reform Agenda.

European and Montenegrin MEPs, as mentioned in the Declaration, encouraged all political actors in Montenegro to maintain focus on the strategic goal of EU integration and the requisite reforms, while also ensuring the entire society is adequately informed of these efforts.

“A broad political consensus and cooperation among various political parties are essential to overcome internal tensions and polarization, which detract from the objective of closing negotiation chapters at this critical juncture,” the Declaration asserts.

The document also welcomes the agreement reached concerning the request for the Venice Commission’s opinion regarding the termination of a Constitutional Court judge’s mandate.

“The encouragement of reactivating the Assembly is intended to renew focus on European integration and capitalize on the opportunities it presents,” the document notes.

The POSP additionally urged Parliament to effectively fulfill its oversight responsibilities, as well as for the parliamentary majority to exhibit greater openness toward the opposition and its initiatives.

The Declaration recognizes the significant steps taken by Montenegrin authorities in combating organized crime and corruption, along with a clear political will for persistent, comprehensive, and unconditional efforts in this fight.

“The POSP particularly urges Montenegrin authorities to continue implementing thorough and consistent reforms in the justice system, as these are crucial for the long-term and effective eradication of organized crime and corruption,” the document states.

The Declaration commends Montenegro’s ongoing full compliance with the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy and encourages the country to reinforce the implementation of restrictive measures and prevent circumvention.

It urges Montenegrin authorities to seize assets from sanctioned individuals and welcomes the dialogue initiated with EU member states, especially regarding the closure of Chapter 31.

The document highlights the importance of fostering good neighborly relations and regional cooperation as vital elements of the enlargement process.

Furthermore, the Declaration underlines the necessity of maintaining a clear separation between church and state.

Members of the POSP also advocated for the swift alignment of Montenegro’s visa policy with the EU’s visa regime for designated countries, in accordance with final benchmarks for Chapter 24 and commitments made under the Reform Agenda.

The POSP calls upon Montenegrin authorities to ensure comprehensive implementation of standards against gender-based violence, aligning with international body recommendations, and stresses that the rights of national minorities are integral to the EU acquis.

The Declaration further encourages Montenegro to formulate sectoral strategies in waste management, air and water quality, biodiversity protection, and climate change, and to provide an institutional framework for coordinated strategic planning of climate and environmental investments to facilitate progress on closing relevant negotiation chapters.

According to the Parliament, the Montenegrin Parliament will host the next POSP meeting.

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