The European Commission has assessed that Montenegro has met the criteria to close Chapter 5 on public procurement in its EU accession negotiations. Montenegro has made significant progress in aligning its legislation with the EU acquis, strengthening administrative capacities, and ensuring transparency in the public procurement system. Although vulnerabilities remain in the anti-corruption framework, there is a clear plan to address them. The importance of compliance with international agreements and careful implementation of the agreement with the UAE in public procurement is also emphasized. The European Commission will monitor the implementation of obligations, and the chapter is expected to be closed at the intergovernmental conference by the end of June.
Political Perspectives:
Left: Left-leaning outlets emphasize the progress Montenegro has made in fighting corruption and improving transparency in public procurement, highlighting the importance of social justice and fair competition. They may also stress the need for continued vigilance and reforms to ensure anti-corruption measures are effective.
Center: Centrist sources report the facts of Montenegro meeting the EU criteria for closing the public procurement chapter, focusing on the technical and procedural aspects of the EU accession process. They highlight the significance of this milestone in Montenegro’s EU integration and the ongoing reforms required.
Right: Right-leaning media may focus on the sovereignty aspects and the importance of Montenegro aligning with EU standards to ensure economic competitiveness and attract foreign investment. They might also emphasize the need for strict enforcement of laws and caution about external influences on national legislation.
