According to the Report from the Commision to the European Parliament and the council on Montenegro´s progress in the implementation of reform, Montenegro has made further progress in the implementation of reforms in the areas of rule of law and fundamental rights, including in the fight against corruption and organised crime.

In view of the further progress made, the Commission remains of the view that Montenegro has achieved the necessary degree of compliance with the membership criteria and in particular the Copenhagen political criteria, to start accession negotiations. In light of these considerations and taking into account the Council conclusions of December 2011, the Commission reiterates its recommendation that accession negotiations be opened with Montenegro. During the accession negotiations’ process, the Commission will continue to put particular focus on the area of rule of law and fundamental rights, especially the fight against corruption and organised crime, so as to ensure a solid track record. It will make full use of the tools available at all stages of the accession process. In this respect, the new approach proposed by the Commission and endorsed by the December 2011 European Council as regards the chapters on judiciary and fundamental rights and justice, freedom and security will allow to firmly anchor reforms in this area and ensure the close monitoring of their implementation.

Early parliamentary elections were held in Montenegro on October 14, 2012 to fill the 81 seats in the Assembly. Montenegro´s governing coalition won the most votes in a parliamentary election and is set to stay in power after having ruled the Balkan country for more than two decades amid economic troubles and allegations of crime and corruption.

Election's vote – the third since Montenegro gained independence from Serbia in 2006 – was held as the country seeks membership in the European Union and battles an economic downturn.

The European Montenegro coalition, led by the tiny nation's powerful ruler, Milo Djukanović, has won 45.6% of the vote, or 39 out of 81 seats in the future parliament, according to the results released by the monitoring group which counted nearly 95% of the ballots.

The lead opposition party Democratic Front was second with 23.7%, or 20 parliamentary seats, followed by the pro-Serb Socialist People's party with 10.5% of the vote, or nine seats, the monitors said.

Analysts said the ruling coalition, which has kept a grip on power in Montenegro since the 1990s, will not be able to govern alone, but will have to seek support from minority groups in parliament, which have won about half a dozen parliamentary seats.

Source: Delegation of the European Union to Montenegro, Guardian