Sattler: EU recommends closing Chapters 23 and 24 with Montenegro

The progress Montenegro has made in reforms in recent years has been exceptional, and no serious person can dispute that. Geopolitical circumstances have brought enlargement further into the spotlight, but they have not changed our rules - said Ambassador of the European Union to Montenegro Johann Sattler.

The Days of Montenegrin State Prosecutors were officially opened at the Hilton Hotel in Podgorica, where Sattler addressed the opening ceremony.

The EU Ambassador stressed that EU accession remains a merit-based process.

He pointed out that the European Commission is recommending that Member States close Chapters 23 and 24 with Montenegro, which concern the rule of law and are among the key chapters in the accession negotiations.

- Concrete results matter, and Montenegro has demonstrated that it can deliver them across all negotiating chapters. Most importantly, it has done so in the area of the rule of law. We are recommending that Member States close Chapters 23 and 24. If you will, we are vouching for you. We have given you our word - Sattler said.

As he pointed out, this is not something they do lightly.

- When we stand behind your achievements, we are also putting our own credibility on the line. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all of you who have contributed to this progress - Sattler concluded.