The Netherlands could block start of Montenegro-EU Talks

Dutch parliament’s European Affairs Committee says Montenegro should not receive a date for a start to EU accession negotiations, citing alleged failures to curb corruption.

The Dutch parliament will decide its formal position later this month.

Montenegrin media said the Dutch parliamentary committee reached its conclusion, citing “inadequate results” in the fight against organized crime and corruption and regarding the rule of law.

Montenegro hopes to get a date to start accession negotiations with the EU at the European Council meeting on December 9.

The Dutch parliament will vote on the Committee’s conclusion by the end of November but media in Podgorica are already predicting that The Netherlands probably will not support a start to Montenegrin accession negotiations.