Stevo Muk, President of the Managing Board of IA, has met with Director for Western Balkans in DG NEAR, Genoveva Ruiz Calavera, and ambassador Aivo Orav, Head of Delegation of European Union to Montenegro.
President of the Managing Board of IA has pointed out the need for improvement the transparency of the negotiation process, through open access to documents prepared by the Government and European Commission.
He also suggested that European Commission demands more of the Government in the process of preparation of reform plans, as well as focusing on results and substantial changes instead of numerous activities used to fill the reports on Action plans presented to the EU.
Regarding the reforms in the area of the rule of law, fight against corruption and organized crime, he emphasized the need of systematic revision of Action Plans for Chapters 23 and 24.
Additionally, he expressed concerns for further work of Special Prosecutor’s Office which has, in addition to earlier pressures and obstructions, now lost the support of the part of the public and continues to operate under the weight of problematic prosecutorial investigation of the alleged coup attempt.
Muk emphasized that the EU should provide more visible support to NGOs dealing with sensitive issues such as rule of law, fight against corruption, transparency and accountability of the Government.
When it comes to the position of NGOs, it is important that Government considers and adopts a new strategic policy regarding the development of NGOs, which will include a comprehensive approach to financing their programs and projects. In addition, it is needed to reform the current way of functioning, presidency and the composition of members in the Government’s Council for Development of NGOs.
He has also pinpointed that the EU should be involved more directly in the further dialogue between Government and opposition. He assessed that reports of local NGOs, opposition and upcoming OSCE/ODIHR report on elections could be solid base for future joint work of both political sides on amending the conditions for the next elections.
Institute Alternative Team
