The EU-Montenegro Association and Stabilisation Council met for the first time in Luxembourg in order to review the Balkan country's compliance with the economic and political criteria for membership.

In their meeting in Luxembourg, the EU-Montenegro Association and Stabilisation Council agreed to mark November as the aproximate date to decide about whether the Balkan country is or is not a candidate for EU membership

The enlargement process of the European Union in the Western Balkans is a priority and a commitment of the Spanish Presidency, according to the Spanish Secretary of State for the EU, Diego Lopez Garrido.

The EU side confirmed the progress of Montenegro in the political area, particularly with its last elections, held in March 2009, and the treatment of minorities. It also valued positively the role of Montenegro in supporting regional co-operation and stabilisation, and the step towards better relations between the UE and the Balkans. That point has been made possible by the recent EU-Western Balkans meeting in Sarajevo. 

During the meeting, EU insisted that Montenegro must make several improvements in the situation of the Roma community and in the fight against organised crime and corruption.

The EU policy of the Western Balkans, which was set in the Thessaloniki agenda, includes the liberalization of visas as a step towards accession to the EU. The negotiations on visa liberalization began in 2008 and impose measures such as the introduction of biometric passports. Since January, the citizens of Serbia, Montenegro and Macedonia will no longer need a visa to enter the EU, following the path towards the policy of EU integration.

López Garrido chaired the meeting on behalf of the High Representative, Catherine Ashton; Montenegro was represented by its Foreign Minister, Milan Rocen, and the Commission by its Enlargement Commissioner, Stefan Fuele.