Post by radovic on May 28, 2008 11:01:22 GMT -5
Montenegro to Delay EU Candidate Bid
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Podgorica will delay its application to the end of 200828 May 2008 Podgorica _ Montenegro is to postpone submitting its application for EU candidate status until later this year, the country's deputy Prime Minister says.
"Montenegro is committed to a step-by-step fulfilment of all European Union recommendations" and wants to "strengthen capacities in those institutions where it is necessary," Gordana Djurovic said after a meeting with EU officials on Tuesday.
Montenegro initially wanted to apply by the end of June, when the EU rotating presidency is held by fellow former Yugoslav republic, Slovenia.
Pierre Mirel, Director for the Western Balkans in the European Commission's Directorate General for Enlargement, said the government had decided wisely to postpone the application.
"I believe that quality always needs to be in front of speed," Mirel said, giving no further details on the reasons.
Montenegro voted to end its union with Serbia in 2006, and has since enjoyed strong growth and a good reputation as a holiday destination.
Freed from the wartime baggage of its neighbour, the Adriatic state of some 650,000 people signed a Stabilisation and Association Agreement, widely seen as the first step to EU membership, in 2007.
In April, it also signed a deal with the EU that paves the way to World Trade Organisation accession, a key move to fostering reforms needed to build the functioning market economy required for EU membership.
Brussels says its main challenges are weak institutions and corruption in a tight-knit society that prefers getting things done through personal ties and political patronage.
Mirel declined to say when would be the right time for Montenegro to apply, noting the country should focus on reforms, and said the EU appreciated Montenegro's contribution to regional stability.
"Montenegro has confirmed, since gaining independence, that it is a stable country that plays an important role of moderator in the region," Mirel said.
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Podgorica will delay its application to the end of 200828 May 2008 Podgorica _ Montenegro is to postpone submitting its application for EU candidate status until later this year, the country's deputy Prime Minister says.
"Montenegro is committed to a step-by-step fulfilment of all European Union recommendations" and wants to "strengthen capacities in those institutions where it is necessary," Gordana Djurovic said after a meeting with EU officials on Tuesday.
Montenegro initially wanted to apply by the end of June, when the EU rotating presidency is held by fellow former Yugoslav republic, Slovenia.
Pierre Mirel, Director for the Western Balkans in the European Commission's Directorate General for Enlargement, said the government had decided wisely to postpone the application.
"I believe that quality always needs to be in front of speed," Mirel said, giving no further details on the reasons.
Montenegro voted to end its union with Serbia in 2006, and has since enjoyed strong growth and a good reputation as a holiday destination.
Freed from the wartime baggage of its neighbour, the Adriatic state of some 650,000 people signed a Stabilisation and Association Agreement, widely seen as the first step to EU membership, in 2007.
In April, it also signed a deal with the EU that paves the way to World Trade Organisation accession, a key move to fostering reforms needed to build the functioning market economy required for EU membership.
Brussels says its main challenges are weak institutions and corruption in a tight-knit society that prefers getting things done through personal ties and political patronage.
Mirel declined to say when would be the right time for Montenegro to apply, noting the country should focus on reforms, and said the EU appreciated Montenegro's contribution to regional stability.
"Montenegro has confirmed, since gaining independence, that it is a stable country that plays an important role of moderator in the region," Mirel said.