Podgorica, (MINA) – The European Commission’s report (EC) on Montenegro for this year is a good incentive for intensifying negotiations and encouragement for further reform efforts, said President of Montenegro Jakov Milatovic.

Head of the EU Delegation to Montenegro, Johann Sattler, presented the EC Report to Milatovic on Friday.

According to the press release from his office, Milatovic said that the positive tone of the Report comes as a result of the united efforts of all relevant social actors and is the expected result of a positive IBAR.

Milatovic also highlighted the report’s findings regarding the deterioration of the relations with Croatia, which disrupts good neighborly relations, as one of the key requirements for the country’s EU membership.

Sattler assessed that the tone of the Report is more positive than it was last year, especially due to the key progress achieved in the chapters 23 and 24, concerning the rule of law, which resulted in a positive IBAR.

He stated that the Report clearly highlights the areas in which further work is needed, and represents a roadmap for key reforms that are crucial for Montenegro’s progress towards the EU membership.