Montenegro 2006 progress report. Commission staff working document.

Abstract

Since March 2002, the Commission has reported regularly to the Council and the Parliament on progress made by the countries of the Western Balkans region. This is the first progress report for Montenegro since its independence following a referendum which was held on 21 May 2006. The report: –briefly describes the relations between Montenegro and the Union; –analyses the political situation in Montenegro in terms of democracy, the rule of law, human rights, protection of minorities, and regional issues; –analyses the economic situation in Montenegro; –reviews Montenegro's capacity to implement European standards, that is, to gradually approximate its legislation and policies with those of the acquis, in line with a Stabilisation and Association Agreement and the European Partnership priorities.