Local view for "http://purl.org/linkedpolitics/eu/plenary/2007-12-12-Speech-3-318"
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"en.20071212.29.3-318"2
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"Mr President, Mr Swoboda rightly referred a moment ago to the widespread corruption in Montenegro. In support, I would like to quote figures given by
which show that, on a scale of 0 to 10 (where 10 denotes the absence of corruption), Montenegro scores 3.3. It is thus right at the forefront of countries where corruption is a major problem.
I would add that smuggling is also a dramatic problem for Montenegro. In this respect the country really does have no borders. Recently there was a proposal to prohibit smoking in public places, when at the same time, in the centre of the capital city, you can buy thousands of packets of contraband cigarettes. In that regard Montenegro clearly has a long way to go on the road to the European Union.
On the other hand, the country must be encouraged to meet the Union’s criteria as soon as possible. I welcome the fact that, in regard to the judiciary, for example, or the functioning of the administration, there has been perceptible progress. We have to appreciate what Montenegro has done in this field since the moment it rather unexpectedly declared its independence following a referendum.
I believe the European Union should give a clear signal that, once the relevant criteria have been met, the road to the Union will be shortened. We have to hold out a real prospect of membership – obviously not in two, three or four years’ time – but a real incentive to Montenegrin society for the increasing achievement of European standards."@en1
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