TIRANA, February 16 – “Montenegro and Albania are recognized by European Union officials as the most advanced candidate countries in the integration process,” said David McAllister, Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Affairs in the European Parliament. He announced that nine members of the European Parliament will visit Podgorica first and then Tirana from February 16 to 18.

The delegation aims to assess the state of accession negotiations and review unresolved reform priorities in each country, according to the Brussels official.

McAllister noted that Montenegro and Albania are the two most advanced candidate countries. Montenegro has closed thirteen negotiation chapters. Albania has opened all cluster chapters.

The agenda of the nine members of the European Parliament includes examining the continuation of negotiations. They will engage with the governments and parliaments of Montenegro and Albania to ensure the countries meet their ambitious objectives and address unresolved reforms, especially in the fundamental chapters.

The members of the European Parliament will also meet ambassadors of European Union member states and representatives of civil society.

The visit will support the work of the Committee on future European Union reports on Montenegro and Albania.

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