Koopman Meets with Minister Joković on Further Progress in the EU Accession Process

The Director-General of the Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations, Gert Jan Koopman, met with the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management, Vladimir Joković. The meeting was also attended by the Ambassador of the EU to Montenegro, Johann Sattler; the Director of the Administration for Food Safety, Veterinary and Phytosanitary Affairs, Vladimir Đaković; and the State Secretary at the Ministry of European Affairs, Bojana Bošković.

During the meeting, discussions focused on Montenegro’s further progress in the accession process and the fulfilment of obligations under Negotiating Chapter 12, which falls within the remit of the Ministry.

Koopman congratulated the Minister on the closure of Chapters 11 and 13, noting that these are particularly demanding areas requiring a high degree of alignment with the acquis of the European Union. Concerning Chapter 12, he encouraged the continuation of reforms and provided clear guidance on the further steps required to ensure the full and sustainable implementation of European standards. He also emphasised that the European Commission would make all necessary expert and institutional capacities available to support the continuation of Montenegro’s negotiation process. 

Minister Joković reaffirmed Montenegro’s strong and unequivocal commitment to membership of the European Union, stressing that the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management, together with all competent institutions, would invest maximum efforts to ensure the successful completion of all remaining obligations. The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management will continue to act as a reliable partner in implementing reforms and achieving European standards.