PODGORICA – The opening of two more negotiating chapters, that are crucial for Montenegrin citizens, is an indicator of successful reforms, said European Affairs Minister Aleksandar Andrija Pejović.
The Ministry of European Affairs and Konrad Adenauer Foundation organized today a working breakfast with journalists on the occasion of opening negotiations in chapters 2 – Freedom of movement of workers and 3 – Right of establishment and freedom to provide services. Minister of European Affairs Aleksandar Andrija Pejović, Minister of Economy Dragica Sekulić and Minister of Labor and Social Welfare Kemal Purišić spoke with representatives of the media.
When speaking about the Chapter 2, Pejović pointed out that there will be great progress when, on the day of Montenegro’s entry into EU membership, any physiotherapist or dentist working in Montenegro gets a chance to work in the EU or that someone living in Herceg Novi is able to work in Dubrovnik without special work permits.
He added that Chapter 3 is important for everyone involved in providing services in Montenegro because they will have the ability to provide services in the EU countries without restriction.
Minister Sekulić reminded that Chapter 3 is one of the ten that are under the responsibility of the Ministry of Economy.
“Of these ten chapters, eight are open, one is temporarily closed, and for one we work on the criteria for its opening,” she explained.
Speaking about the upcoming obligations in the negotiation process, Minister Pejović assessed that Montenegro is expecting an intensive year, having in mind the announced Enlargement Strategy, the Report on Montenegro and the Summit in Sofia.
When it comes to closing the chapter, he said that a technical and political moment should be kept in mind. He pointed out that at this stage of the negotiating process it is crucial to fulfilling the 83 interim benchmarks for chapters 23 and 24, bearing in mind the importance of progress in the area of rule of law, after which a more significant momentum of closing the chapter can begin.