November 25, 2013

In a joint Congress, held in Budva, Montenegro, November 21-23, the European Movement International and European Movement Montenegro have called for more action to be taken in the development of civil society in the candidate and potential candidate countries. Participants included Mr Milo Đukanović, Prime Minister of Montenegro and Mr Igor Lukšić, Minister of Foreign Affairs and European integration, as well as other representatives from Governments, parliaments and civil society organisations.

The EMI Montenegro Congress builds on the success of the EMI Ljubljana Congress and the EMI Istanbul Congress – held in 2009 and 2011 respectively. Each Congress has aimed to bridge the gap between national governments, the EU, and civil society actors in the candidate and potential candidate countries.

The EU accession process requires the candidate and potential candidate countries to make significant reforms in sectors from human rights to trade and a strong basis of civil society will ensure this process remains democratic, transparent and accountable.

Mr Momčilo Radulović, President, European Movement Montenegro, said:

“The EMI Montenegro Congress involved participants from every country in the Balkans region and from all levels of government, including EU representation. This sends a clear message of improvement in relations between Governments and civil society actors, which is crucial to the continued process of EU integration. In addition, we received direct messages of support from all the states of the Balkans region that they are committed to EU membership.”

Diogo Pinto, Secretary General, European Movement International (EMI), said:

“The EMI Montenegro Congress was a huge success with over 150 high-level delegates from all over Europe coming together to show their support and commitment to the EU enlargement process. It is important we continue with our efforts to develop civil society in these countries, whose future lies within the EU. This can be done if we work with all the actors in the region to ensure civil society is given a strong and central voice in the accession process. ”

 
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Notes to Editors
1. The European Movement International (EMI) is one of the largest pan and pro-European civil society organisation with currently more than 70 Member Organisations, bringing together representatives from European associations, political parties, enterprises and trade unions.
EMI Media contacts

Marine Vallet: 02/508.30.88 marine.vallet@europeanmovement.eu