The Parliament of Montenegro, in cooperation with the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ), within the framework of the project “Regional Cooperation for EU Integration”, is hosting a two-day regional conference titled “The Role of Effective Parliamentary Oversight in Advancing the EU Accession Process.”

The Ambassador of the European Union to Montenegro, Johann Sattler, stated that parliamentary oversight is not a formality – it is the cornerstone of democracy and accountability on the path towards the European Union.
“I commend the Parliament of Montenegro for its dedication to European integration and the compromises it has achieved. However, the most demanding phase lies ahead, and success will require continuous commitment, unity, and a steadfast dedication to reform,” said Sattler.

He added that the decisions to be taken in the coming months will not only determine Montenegro’s course but will also inspire the entire region.

The Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Montenegro, Peter Felten, emphasised the central role of parliaments in the European integration process through legislative harmonisation, strengthening political accountability, and ensuring democratic oversight.
He highlighted that success depends on the active participation of parliaments, dialogue among institutions, and the development of administrative capacities. He particularly praised the regional exchange of knowledge and experience as key to implementing reforms and strengthening democracy. Felten emphasised that Germany and GIZ will continue to be reliable partners to Montenegro.
He expressed his gratitude for the commitment and hospitality shown, voicing hope that such exchanges of best practices and cooperation would continue.

On behalf of the European Parliament and the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC), attendees were addressed by Marta Udina and Monika Petrova, who spoke about strengthening the role of parliaments in the Western Balkan countries on the path to European integration. They focused on the existing EU and regional international organisations’ support platforms for national parliaments of candidate countries, as well as opportunities for further enhancing cooperation to promote results and fulfil the commitments from the European agenda.

The President of the Parliament of Montenegro, Andrija Mandić, stated that Montenegro’s accession to the European Union is not merely a national objective, but also a test of the vitality of the Union itself, for at a time when the entire planet faces numerous challenges, the old continent must prove that it is alive – capable of growth, expansion, and strengthening.
According to him, Montenegro can become a symbol of a new European momentum – proof that the enlargement policy remains the most successful instrument of European unity and stability.
“Together, we are working towards the goal of building Montenegro as a country of happy, free, safe, and prosperous citizens,” said Mandić.

The Secretary General, Boban Stanišić, stated that the purpose of the conference is to present the Report on the Implementation of the Principles of Effective Parliamentary Oversight for 2024, as well as to continue regional activities initiated in Vlora.

The Chair of the Committee on European Integration of the Parliament of Montenegro, Ivan Vuković, noted that parliaments are key actors in the process of European integration, as they represent the core of every democracy, and that the European path primarily implies the advancement of democratic development and political culture.

Representatives of the legislative bodies expressed gratitude to regional experts, GIZ, and members of the network for their contribution to the preparation of the report and for their continuous cooperation so far, emphasising that the Parliament of Montenegro remains committed to European integration, strengthening its capacities, and enhancing cooperation with parliaments in the region and EU institutions.

In the second part of the conference, representatives of all delegations presented results from the perspective of their committees on European integration/affairs, as well as the activities of their parliaments during the previous period – primarily in the areas of law review, electoral reforms, parliamentary diplomacy, and public communication on European processes. On behalf of the Parliament of Montenegro, the activities of the Committee on European Integration were presented by the Committee’s Deputy Chair, Jovan Subotić, who also moderated the conference proceedings.

The conference brought together members and staff of the committees on European integration/affairs from the parliaments of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, and Kosovo, as well as secretaries general and their deputies.

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The organisation of the conference was supported by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) through the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ), as part of the activities of the Network of Secretariats of the Committees on European Integration of the Western Balkan Parliaments.