Nov. 26 – The Senate approved the bill of ratification and implementation of the strategic partnership between the Government of the Italian Republic and the Government of Montenegro, signed in 2010. The bill is now awaiting approval from the Lower House. The main areas included in the agreement (infrastructure, energy, tourism, environmental protection, combating organized crime) highlight Italy’s support to Montenegro in its accession process to the European Union and NATO. Deputy Foreign Minister Lapo Pistelli expressed appreciation for the reforms adopted in Montenegro in the perspective of European integration: “After achieving independence, Podgorica is basically one of the countries of the Western Balkans that displayed a more evident desire to align and integrate with both the European Union and NATO – explained Pistelli – Montenegro’s reforms appear very convincing and its international projection is absolutely justified in the enlargement strategy for the Western Balkans.” According to the deputy minister, “We are happy to meet Montenegro’s desire to join the UE, and are very much impressed with Montenegro’s efforts to date: the country already ratified the agreement that we are still reviewing. After Federica Mogherini’s appointment as High Representative of the EU, one of the most important elements of her portfolio in the next five years is exactly the question of EU enlargement. There is, therefore, a double reason why our Parliament is following closely the evolution of events in the region, our Eastern neighborhood.” (Red)
