Podgorica, (MINA) – The closure of Chapter 24- Justice, Freedom and Security is not an administrative goal or the formal conclusion of the accession process, but a confirmation that Montenegro has built institutions that can protect public security, assessed Interior Minister Danilo Saranovic.

According to the press release from the Ministry of the Interior, Saranovic discussed in Brussels with European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos and European Commissioner for Internal Affairs Magnus Brunner the fulfillment of the final benchmarks from Chapter 24, one of the most demanding and important negotiating chapters.

The press release said that during separate meetings it was noted that the latest European Commission’s non-paper provided an important and objective signal about Montenegro’s progress in the area of ​​the rule of law and internal security.

It is added that Saranovic briefed the commissioners with the progress in meeting the final benchmarks, stressing that Montenegro is simultaneously working on aligning with the EU legal acquis, improving the legislative framework in the security sector, strengthening capacity for migration management, modernizing its visa system and further strengthening the fight against organized crime.

It is emphasized that Kos said that Montenegro is the most advanced candidate country and that it is implementing the necessary reforms on its EU path.

Brunner, according to the press release, pointed out that Montenegro continues to demonstrate a strong political commitment to the European path and fulfilling its obligations under the EU accession process.