Continuing economic reforms and strengthening competitiveness of the economy

Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Policy and Minister of Economic Development Nik Gjeloshaj met today with Gert Jan Koopman, Director-General of the Directorate-General for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations of the European Commission.

At the outset of the meeting, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister Gjeloshaj briefed Director-General Koopman on the activities the Ministry of Economic Development is implementing to ensure full alignment with EU standards and practices, as well as to facilitate the successful closure of negotiation chapters.

As we decisively contributed last year to the provisional closure of three negotiation chapters, this year we have prepared and adopted all relevant laws and regulations. I am confident that not only will we successfully close the chapters under our competence, but we will also open the door to Montenegro's future EU membership, stated Gjeloshaj.

Montenegro remains firmly committed to continuing economic reforms and strengthening the competitiveness of its economy, he underlined.

During the discussions, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening cooperation with the European Commission. Gjeloshaj stressed that in addition to legislative alignment, the Ministry is also working decisively on capacity-building measures, with the aim of ensuring that Montenegro is recognized in the accession process as one of the most prepared and best-organized candidate countries.

The meeting was assessed as highly constructive and an important step in reinforcing the partnership between Montenegro and the European Union.

At today's meeting with EU representatives, both parties confirmed their readiness to intensify cooperation in order to support the private sector, improve the business environment, and foster sustainable economic growth.