Chairperson of the Committee on European Integration Mr Adrian Vuksanović and Chairperson of the Committee on European Union Policies Mr Vannino Chiti have signed today the Protocol of Cooperation of the two committees.
The Protocol was signed within the official visit of the Italian Senate delegation to Montenegro, which was an opportunity for confirming strong parliamentary cooperation and support that Italy has been providing to Montenegro on its path to the European Union. The Protocol, inter alia, envisages the exchange of information and experiences on dossiers of common interests related to the European Union, the coordination aimed at joint action at COSAC and other European conferences, as well as the organisation of programmes for professional development.
After signing the Protocol, chairpersons Vuksanović and Chiti spoke at the conference organised by the Ministry of European Affairs on the topic “60th anniversary of the Treaties of Rome: Further path of Europe”. The conference was organised on the 60th anniversary since signing the Treaties of Rome, when the European Economic Community European Economic Community (TEEC) and Euratom were established. Mr Chiti stressed the importance of the Rome Declaration, adopted on 25 March, by which the representatives of the member states and European institutions confirmed their commitment to building a stronger and more united Europe, but also expressed their preference for the idea of “Multi-speed Europe”. He also stressed the official attitude of Italy that all Western Balkan countries should become part of a united Europe.
Speaking on the future of the EU enlargement policy, Chairperson Vuksanović recalled that in times of crisis the great ideas are born, and that this is a key period for the development of the Western Balkans on the road to EU membership. Mr Vuksanović said that the EU is a great idea, which should be preserved by both member states and candidate countries, with the aim of fostering the principles of freedom, democracy and solidarity and ensuring better quality of life for all citizens.
The official visit of Italian senators ended by meeting of members of two parliamentary committees, during which the Italian senators reaffirmed their support for the European aspirations of Montenegro, and expressed satisfaction that cooperation between the two committees has been institutionalized through the signing of the Protocol of Cooperation.
Aside from senator Chiti, the following composed the Italian delegation: senators Mr Stefano Collina and Mr Bartolomeo Amidei, as well as Deputy Director General of the DG for the European Union of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Mr Carlo Lo Cascio and Ambassador Mr Vincenzo Del Monaco.
On behalf of the Committee for European Integration, in addition to Chairperson Vuksanović, the events on the occasion of the visit were also attended by members: Ms Sanja Vlahović, Ms Marija Ćatović, Mr Andrija Nikolić and Mr Mihailo Anđušić.
