Montenegro is set to initial the Stabilization and Association Agreement later today. Montenegrin Prime Minister Željko Šturanović and EU Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn will officially meet today to initial the Agreement in Podgorica.

Today’s initialing of the Stabilization and Association Agreement is followed by its signing and ratifying in the Montenegrin Parliament and the parliaments of EU member states. The implementation of the Agreement would soon follow. Montenegro started SAA negotiations with the EU while being a part of the state union of Serbia and Montenegro in October 2005. The process was suspended in May 2006 due to the lack of Belgrade’s co-operation with The Hague Tribunal.

Montenegro has resumed SAA talks with the EU after the proclamation of independence and completed negotiations on December 1, 2006. The completion of the Stabilization and Association Afreement means that Montenegro will attain the status of an associated state, which is a crucial step towards full EU membership.

Ahead of his visit to Podgorica, EU Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn said the EU expected from Montenegro to draft the Constitution in line with European standards, and provide the support of an entire political milieu if possible for its subsequent adoption.

The European Union also demanded that Montenegro as an independent state strengthen its institutions, and political and administrative capacities.
 

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