Montenegro will most likely close three of the expected five chapters in negotiations with the European Union (EU) by the end of the year, as representatives of France in the working bodies of that community today blocked the “crossing out” of two—Chapter 11 (Agriculture and Rural Development) and Chapter 13 (Fisheries), “Vijesti” learns.
The French declared this way, as “Vijesti” writes, at the session of the Working Group of the Council of the EU (COELA), held earlier today. In the meantime, the session of the Committee of Permanent Representatives of the Member States (COREPER II) was also concluded, where this decision was confirmed.
According to unofficial information from “Vijesti,” French representatives claimed, among other things, that Chapters 11 and 13 were not ready for closure and were not sufficiently harmonized with the EU acquis, without stating specific reasons for their position.
After the COREPER II session, the matter proceeds to the intergovernmental conference, i.e., to the ministerial level (Ministers of Foreign Affairs or European Affairs within the General Affairs Council of the EU), where three chapters should definitely be closed—3 (Right of Establishment and Freedom to Provide Services), 4 (Free Movement of Capital), and 6 (Company Law).
Although France’s decision can be changed at the ministerial level, the chances of that happening are very small.
Negotiations on Montenegro’s accession to the EU began on June 29, 2012. Since then, Podgorica has opened all chapters (33) and temporarily closed seven, three of which were closed at the end of last year and one in June of this year.
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Source: Nova.rs, Photo: Gov.me / S. Matić