Memo: Key findings of the 2012 Progress Report on Montenegro

The Progress Report on Montenegro is part of the 2012 Enlargement Package adopted today by the European Commission. This is the first Progress Report on Montenegro since the country opened accession negotiations with the EU on 29 June. The European Commission concluded that the country has made further progress in establishing a functioning market economy, has improved its ability to take on the obligations of EU membership, and continues to sufficiently meet the political criteria for EU membership. The screening process has begun and is expected to finish in summer 2013. The accession negotiations will integrate the new approach for the chapters on judiciary and fundamental rights, and justice, freedom and security, thereby reinforcing the focus on rule of law and on the irreversibility of the undertaken reforms. Montenegro will need to further develop a track record in this area, in particular with respect to high-level corruption and organised crime.