European pulse E l e c t r o n i c m o n t h l y m a g a z i n e f o r E u r o p e a n i n t e g r a t i o n - N o . 4 2 , M a r c h 2 0 0 9

IINNTTEERRVVIIEEWW Prof Dr Filip Kova~evi}

AANNAALLYYSSEESS Are Montenegrin citizens ready for Europe

EEUU CCHHAALLLLEENNGGEESS European Commissioners ahead of the elections FFOOCCUUSS OOFF TTHHIISS IISSSSUUEE How does the quality of elections influence Montenegro's integrations F o r e w o r d / C a l e n d a r M a r c h , 2 0 0 9

Finland ratified the SAA (5 March) - Finland ratified Montenegro's Stabilisation and Association Agreement with European Union. Finland is the sixteenth EU member state to have ratified Montenegro's SAA.

Rehn: Application is a technical issue (9 March) - Discussion on Montenegro's application is a technical, not substantive issue and I believe it will soon be on the agenda", said EU Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn. After a meeting with the prime minister Milo \ukanovi} in Brussels, Rehn said the most important thing was not whether the Council of Ministers will submit Montenegro's application to the European Commission in March or April, but AABBUUSSEE that he hopes it will happen soon. Mon- our days ahead of the elections, just as I tenegro's application has been blocked by Fwas wondering whether the European Germany, Netherlands, Belgium and Spain. bicycle really slowed down on the Montenegrin hills, since March seemed to be Topolanek visits Podgorica (11 March) - The the most uneventful month in terms of EU ministers will most probably officially con- European integrations, I was struck by the sider Montenegro's application for EU mem- headline on the so called national news - "European Enlargement Commissioner Olli bership in April, thus starting the procedure Rehn said for our television that the EU for the acceptance of application, said Mirek leaders agreed to discuss Montenegro's Topolanek, the prime minister of the Czech application in April". Republic, currently presiding over the EU, on

With a confused translation, the picture his visit to Podgorica. Mirek Topolanek shows a few microphones around Rehn (the national news already rolling - "said for our television" - deceived some taxpayers who Italy and Slovenia urge not to forget the Balkans (12 March) - Foreign Affairs are financing him). ministers of Slovenia and Italy Samuel @bogar and Franko Frattini sent a joint let- My conclusion: someone - either Rehn ter to the ministers of foreign affairs of all EU countries, reminding them of the or the public service - is eager to help the importance of EU's expansion in the Western Balkans. The letter was intended ruling coalition to win the elections. to incite renewed discussion on this topic on the upcoming meetings of EU's for- It wouldn't be the first time either, nei- ther for the Brussels' officials nor (especially) eign affairs ministers. @bogar and Frattini emphasised the importance of liberali- for the public service. sation of the visa regime with the West Balkan countries and expressed their And I feel like asking the Finn hopes to see substantial progress in this field before the appointment of the new Commissionaire what I will have to ask you European Commission instead - is the Finnish out for alleged cor- ruption-related arrests a month ahead of the Preparations for the Questionnaire (14 March) - Representatives of public insti- elections, are the president of the Supreme Court and the Director of the Agency for the tutions, judiciary and executive met in the Secretariat for European Integrations prevention of money laundering called to do discuss preparations for answering the Questionnaire of the European sum up their achievements only a week Commission, although it is still unclear when this document may arrive. The ahead of the elections? meeting was dedicated to the questions in the chapter Political Criteria, which Or is the president of the Supreme includes democracy and the rule of law, human and minority rights as well as Court at least morally responsible to say whether all the "big fish" mysteriously fall into regional cooperation and international obligations. this handful of 30% of cases that were never prosecuted to the end, or is it enough for EU urges fair elections (16 March) - Parliamentary elections in Montenegro must applause to just say that 70% of the cases be open and fair, it is important to maintain the freedom of the media as well were brought to a verdict? as to continue fight against organised crime and corruption, said EU Troika after So much for independence of meeting the head of the Montenegrin diplomacy Milan Ro}en. It was also said Montenegrin institutions or, if you will, abuse of public institutions for party purposes. that Montenegro, as a "constructive partner to EU" achieved substantial progress On the very same day, the so called in the association process, especially with regard to internal reforms, but that public service announced the fall of the gov- "much remains to be done". The meeting of Ro}en in Brussels with the EU Troika ernment of the Czech prime minister Mirek - foreign affairs ministers of the Czech Republic, Karel Schwarzenberg and Topolanek, who promised us just two weeks Sweden, Carl Bildt, and EU enlargement commissioner Olli Rehn were organised ago in Podgorica that our application will be in the framework of regular political dialogue between Montenegro and EU. considered in April. Just hope that on the 30 March European Eurosceptics won't send another New ratifications (25 March) - According to the Foreign Affairs Ministry of message through our national news - sorry Montenegro, Poland, Sweden and Spain have also ratified Montenegro's guys, Topolanek's and Rehn's promise is off. Stabilisation and Association Agreement with EU. To date, nineteen EU member V.@. states have ratified the Agreement.

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A V I E W F R O M E U Cbmlbot!jo!uif!xbjujoh!sppn //////// satisfy basic requirements Slovenia's policy this issue is no longer an obstacle to the regarding Piran Bay and access to the open membership of the Former Yugoslav Republic sea. Should the court rule in the favour of of Macedonia in international organisations, n the last few this solution, additional agreements between as envisaged in the 1995 Interim Agreement, Iyears, at the the countries would be superfluous. which is still in force. Should there be no beginning of every Should the court rule in Croatia's agreement between the two countries in due year we kept saying: favour, however, Croatia should still offer a course, this could entail greater delay in the "This year we must voluntary but legally binding agreement with accession of the Former Yugoslav Republic of make big steps to Slovenia to satisfy its basic requirements. In Macedonia to the EU. Bilateral issues on the integrate the Bal- this way, Croatia would receive the confir- Balkans should not be an obstacle to the mation of its legal positions, while Slovenia accession process or take precedence over by Hannes Swoboda would score a victory in political negotiations the process of European integrations". with Croatia. Both candidate countries have specific kans into European Union". The group of mediators proposed by difficulties: Croatia in opening certain chap- And at the end of every year we were the EC could then work out the details of this ters, Macedonia in beginning the negotiations disappointed. I'm afraid this year will be just two-track approach and assist the countries, at all. Further progress in this direction is cur- the same. We must admit that development in addition to the court's ruling, in finding a rently obstructed by internal shortcomings in South East Europe has been much slower solution through negotiations. It would be and unresolved bilateral issues. It would be than our hopes. Perhaps this is good news for equally acceptable if the countries agreed not more economical to insist that all sides ought some circles in the EU, which do not want to go to the court, but instead rely more to accept a clear procedure for resolving another quick round of enlargements that actively and directly on the international law bilateral issues, even before they begin nego- may add to such tendencies in the near in the process of devising a solution to this tiations for EU membership. neighbourhood and create new fears and disappointments in the regions. This leads to If we make an impression in the Western Balkans that we are despair and emigration, especially of young indifferent to their integration efforts, this will have negative reper- people. cussions not only on individual states but on our interests in This "joint" contribution to the slowing development and stability in a neighbouring region down and perhaps even stalling the enlarge- ment process cannot bring anything good. It cross-border dispute. In this moment it is impossible to pre- can only strengthen the existing conflicts and According to EC's assessments so far, dict the start of negotiations with other inspire certain groups and countries to invent Macedonia is still not ready to begin acces- Balkan countries. In spite of starting the or pull out to the surface new disputes. sion negotiations. In addition to this, negotiations (Montenegro) or receiving a can- Therefore all countries in the region ought to Macedonia's progress towards negotiations didate status (Albania), these countries will strive to fulfil their tasks and resolve bilateral can easily be endangered by the name dis- have to face serious problems, especially issues. pute with Greece. We therefore agreed that Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo, and Croatia completed a large part of its the European Parliament should "Support the consequently also Serbia. homework. It gave a new push to the fight efforts of the mediator Matthew Nimetz on The EU must be patient in order not to against corruption and organised crime. The behalf of the UN, as envisaged by the lose interest in the integration of this region. record is far from perfect, but it is on the Security Council resolutions no. S/RES/817 We must keep in mind that we cannot just right track to become satisfactory. Two more and S/RES/845 from 1993, which are aimed impose from the outside our opinions and open questions remain: the first regarding to resolve disagreements arising over the attitudes on reform processes. If we leave an cooperation with ICTY and the second relat- constitutional name of a state, in order to impression in the region that we are uninter- ed to the border dispute with Slovenia. ensure the agreement between the Former ested or indifferent to their integration efforts, Recent proposals by Commissioner Olli Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and Greece this will have negative repercussions not only Rehn to establish a group of mediators led by as soon as possible, based on the proposal of on individual states but on our interest in Maarti Ahtisaari is certainly a right step for- 6 October 2008 about the possibility of development and stability in a neighbouring ward and sends a clear signal to both coun- explaining, on the international level, the dif- region. Especially in these weeks ahead of tries that EU wants a quick resolution. Both ference between regions, belonging to two the elections for European Parliament we aspects ought to be considered carefully - different states, but sharing a common name ought to avoid populist slogans against EU the political one, emphasised by Slovenia, - Macedonia. The mediator is aware that enlargement to the Balkans. These countries and the legal, championed by Croatia. both parties have certain reservations regard- need a clear, positive answer to their efforts The best would be to evaluate both ing this proposal and acknowledging that he to join the EU. aspects at the same time. The parties to the has been appointed the new mediator on the dispute could agree to delegate resolution of Macedonian issue he urged both sides to The author is a vice-cchairman of EP their border issue to an international organ keep their promise to negotiate and achieve Delegation for relations with the countries of and negotiate a political solution which could a compromise solution and to make sure that South-EEast Europe

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T O W H A T E X T E N T D O E S T H E Q U A L I T Y O F E L E C T I O N S I N F L U E N C E M O N T E N E G R O ' S E U R O P E A N I N T E G R A T I O N S Gsff!boe!gbjs!bt!mpoh!bt!uifsf(t! op!tippujoh!boe!nbttjwf!gsbve I

report of the Organisation for T S

//////// E J I

Security and Cooperation in Europe V

o t o

(OSCE) and its Office for Democracy h p s there any- and Human Rights (ODIHR) mean Ibody in all that in most democratic states there these monitoring is also abuse of public resources for missions and party purposes and, usually uncon- European Union firmed, complaints about coercion institutions who and the buying of votes? Or does this definition of mon- by Danilo Mihajlovi} itoring missions simply means that everything is fine as long as there are can explain to the citizens of no brawls and shootings at the ballot Montenegro what it means that all or mass electoral fraud, as in the elections in the last ten years have cases of Macedonia or Albania? been "generally conducted in accor- One of the obstacles on the Miodrag Vukovi} dance with the best international European roads of these two neigh- practices and standards"? bouring countries is the judgement of their elections are not "free and fair". Does this phrase, which con- the monitoring missions, often quot- Until recently, the EU officials cluded almost every post-electoral ed by the European Commission, that never questioned the status of Montenegro's integrations based on the nature of electoral process. ALBANIA AND ELECTIONS However, half a moth ago the ALBANIA AND ELECTIONS EU Troika, consisting of the Foreign ree and fair elections, together with rule of law and fight against organised Affairs minister of the presiding EU Fcrime and corruption, are one of the key preconditions that Brussels has member, High Representative for been asking of Albania for several years now. Common Foreign and Security Policy The parliament in Tirana adopted in November last year the new elec- and European Commissioner for EU toral law which was deemed by both OSCE and the Venice Commission a Foreign and Neighbourhood Policy, "good legal ground for the conduct of free and fair elections". suddenly pulled this ace out of the Earlier electoral system was marked by excessive complexity and allowed sleeve. for extensive manipulation. Experts mostly pointed out the fact that large par- At the meeting with Montenegrin ties could intentionally strengthen some of the smaller parties in order to make Foreign Affairs Minister Milan Ro}en post-election coalition deals that would not reflect the will of the citizens. his counterparts from the Czech Another obstacle to Tirana's road to Brussels is the fact that a very large num- Republic and Sweden, Karel Schwar- ber of voting age population does not have any identity documents which, accord- ing to the new law, are absolutely necessary to confirm a person's identity at the zenberg and Carl Bilt, as well as polls, which was not always observed in the past in a number of electoral units. European Enlargement Commissioner The issuing of new biometric documents only started in January, and there Olli Rehn warned that the parliamen- is a fear that a large percentage of some 3 million voters will not be allowed tary elections in Montenegro on 29 to the polls. March 2009 "ought to be fair and Albania announced its membership application by June, in spite of oppo- open". sition from a number of current EU members, who insist that this country Similarly, head of the Dutch should first ensure a quality electoral process. diplomacy Maxime Verhagen recent-

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ly said that the decision of his coun- T will get their vote and whether their S E J I

try on the fate of Montenegro's V favourite candidate will end up in the

o t membership application will depend o parliament to represent their interests. h on the quality of Montenegrin elec- p At the time, all parties agreed to tions. The ministry of foreign affairs of start tackling this issue as soon as the Netherlands clearly and openly possible. DPS said they were not warned that this country expects the opposed to the change but that "they upcoming elections to "be absolutely cannot act alone, since the change of in line with the internationally electoral laws demands two thirds accepted standards and norm". majority". The strongest parliamentary party, This year's parliamentary elec- Democratic Party of Socialists (DPS) is tions follow the well known path - not in the least concerned about the the opposition first objected that the statements of the Dutch diplomat. new elections cannot be held under Head of the Parliamentary the current legislation, then some Committee for International Relations parties brought up a number of pub- and European Integrations Miodrag lic companies where the employees Vukovi} said that those words, "espe- were pressured to vote for the ruling cially when coming from the biggest coalition, again there were rumours sceptic in Europe" only mean that Sr|an MIli} of parties buying Ids... Montenegro is on the right track. But the cherry on top of the cake "If the Netherlands, which is also Although the representatives of this time round was the public com- creating obstacles for other countries international election monitoring mis- plaint of a teacher in one primary in the process of European integra- sions have been objecting for almost school who said that the director of tions tells you not that your elections ten years to the fact that the parties her school was pressuring her and her ought to be in line with international decide instead of citizens who will be colleagues to vote for the Democratic standards, but "be absolutely in line" in the Parliament, parties in the par- Party of Socialists. with European processes, it means liament have refused to even com- President of the National Council you're practically there", Vukovi} said. ment on, let alone do something for European Integrations Sr|an Mili} After the parliamentary elections about this issue. also warned that this year's elections of 10 September 2006, the Progress The Law on the appointment of in Montenegro will draw closer atten- Report on Montenegro of the MPs stipulates that only a half of the tion of international institutions and European Commission said there seats won by a party or a coalition loom large in the prospects of the were plenty of small shortcomings, After the parliamentary elections of 10 September 2006, the mostly regarding the behaviour of the Progress Report on Montenegro of the European Commission said media and the choice of MPs. there were plenty of small shortcomings, mostly regarding the "Such issues ought to be resolved", warned the Report. behaviour of the media and the choice of MPs. "Such issues ought Relevant international organisa- to be resolved", warned the Report. Montenegro's political elite tions have been pointing out the simply ignored EC's recommendations same problems for years, but it seems ought to be distributed according to country's rapprochement with EU. that on this 29 March everything will the candidates' ranking on the party "We have seen this happen remain the same. list. The other half can be freely dis- already in the case of Macedonia, EC and OSCE/ODIHR are already tributed by the party to any candi- whose road to EU was blocked warning that the RTCG public service date whose name appears on its list. because of the controversies during is obviously favouring the Government "This provision limits transparen- elections. This suggests that and ruling coalition parties. cy and can confuse the voters who Montenegro's case will draw quite "In spite of the law...RTCG pro- are never sure which candidates will some interest of those who are work- vided media time free of charge get their vote... although the ing on Montenegro's Progress Report based on proportional, not equal Parliament had almost a decade to for 2009", said the leader of the representation", states ODIHR report. correct this problem, the controversial Socialist People's Party (SNP). RTCG is again financed from the clause has not been removed from Last year's elections in public budget, but its reporting is the Law", wrote OSCE after the 2006 Macedonia were marked by serious miles behind any semblance of equal elections. incidents, and the international com- representation of party points of view. The citizens are still not sure who munity warned that these will have

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direct repercussions on Macedonia's I T S E J Euro-Atlantic integrations. The inci- I V

o t dent in question was a shooting o h between opposed political groups of p Macedonia's Albanians. Recent presidential elections in Macedonia were expected to be a "test" for Macedonia, and the EU said that "free and fair elections were the key precondition for Macedonia's ambitions to become member of EU". At the start of the campaign, Mili}'s party asked the Constitutional Court to evaluate the compliance with the Constitution of the Law on appointment of MPs, Decision on the shortening of the Parliament's man- date and Constitutional Law, but the Court refuted all complaints. From polling station "It is obvious that Montenegro suffers from legal banditry, seen that electoral office of ODIHR refused to away from the EU, two big steps, and the Constitutional Court is anything give a comment on this issue to the I believe we will continue the process but independent. We received con- media. However, two and a half successfully and complete this politi- tradictory rulings from the years ago this organisation warned cal structure", Vukovi} said. Constitutional and Administrative that the Parliament ought to recon- Talking about the teacher Aila courts of Montenegro", Mili} said. sider the existing system of allocating [o{ki} who told the media that the Electoral law ought to have been a number of parliamentary seats director of her school tried to influ- harmonized with the Constitution by based on results in specifically ence political choices of the teachers, 21 April 2008, but just ahead of the defined electoral units. Vukovi} commented: "Then we get elections parliamentary majority "The current system privileges some mother courage in the guise of voted to prolong this deadline for two only one national minority in a teacher who, to make things worse, more years. Montenegro", states the report of this is on the list of an opposition party… SNP also warns that the institution. raises havoc in the school and in the Constitution guarantees the right of Vukovi} agrees that the electoral end it seems her "courage" is more minorities to have "authentic repre- process could have some conse- important than 70 signatures of her sentation in the Parliament of quences for the European path of colleagues who say that her claims Montenegro and in the parliaments of Montenegro, but insists that the con- are unfounded". local governments where they are in sequences cannot be negative if The long term DPS MP suggest- majority", while the Law guarantees "there are here and there some ed that his colleagues from the oppo- this right only to Albanians. rumours about pressuring the sition are usually responsible for The Constitutional Court also employees and inventions about the spreading such "nonsense". refuted this complaint of SNP, and buying of IDs". The way things stand now, elec- Konrad Olzevski, deputy head of the "Montenegro is only two steps tion monitoring missions will once again conclude that the parliamentary elections in Montenegro went with VVUUKKOOVVII]]:: II''MM UUNNDDEERR PPRREESSSSUURREE TTOOOO "minor shortcomings which, however, did not have a significant impact on can't live from all sorts of pendants from the Movement for Changes and the final result". New Serbian Democracy. Every day I come back from work they are wait- I This definition casts a shadow ing in front of my apartment. over citizen's trust in the electoral Isn't that pressure? They also litter my doorstep and nobody reacts to the process, but also on the impartiality fact that they're ruining my privacy and that I have to clean up their papers with, with all due respect, worthless messages. As if they did not know that I of the monitors. already have a definite political orientation. Their impudence is unlimited" - explains Vukovi} his trouble with political pressures. The author is a journalist of the daily newspaper "Vijesti"

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A R E C I T I Z E N S O F M O N T E N E G R O R E A D Y F O R E U R O P E

order to get the necessary papers, than it must be "kind" to them. Not to talk Ifbe!jo!uif!Tboe about ministers or mayors. This also shows that the citizens of respondents sees a chance to improve Montenegro are still not aware that it //////// their lives if they stay in the country. is them who elect all these mayors, The fourth and final observation is presidents and prime ministers and that 53% of Montenegrins believe it is that their fate is in the hands of these ontenegrin perfectly acceptable to use personal same citizens. Until that kind of men- Mofficials are connections in order to get what, as tality, which still cannot understand unanimous - taxpaying citizens, they should be nat- that ministers and officials are there to Montenegro is urally entitled to. serve the citizens and not to look at not heading to- How do we interpret these find- them down their noses, becomes a wards European ings? minority phenomenon, Montenegro Firstly, in Montenegro it is still the cannot be ready to move forward, and by Ne|eljko Rudovi} case that the citizens mostly expect certainly not to join the European club. their leaders to sort out all of their At the moment, the biggest prob- Union for the sake of the Union and to problems - to get them a job and take lem is that those who are leading please somebody else, Montenegro is care of their overall welfare. In other Montenegro into European Union are doing this for its own sake, for the sake words, a lot of Montenegrins still pre- only feeding these perverse attitudes, of a better life, more democracy, rule fer to stick their heads into sand and making every act of assisting some- of law… If they submitted the applica- tion for EU membership, it must be If we put together the fact that a majority in Montenegro is opti- that they believe we are ready. Quite mistic, satisfied with their lives, satisfied with the work of the gov- aside of the fact that many activities on ernment and at the same time believes it is perfectly normal to the part of this government rather sug- engage in corrupt practices, the natural conclusion is that gest that the government is simulating Montenegro at the moment does not share a European worldview reforms and the party interest is always way ahead of the state interest, at the wait for the storm to pass. Either that body into a great gesture of good will. moment the really interesting question or the Government is really so success- In a certain town on the coast there is is to what extent are the citizen of ful that majority of the citizens believe a well known tradition - a high rank- Montenegro ready to be a part of the it is leading our country in the right ing official of the ruling party receives "elite society". direction and that it did whatever it audience on certain mornings in a Gallup recently published the could or should have done in the past. certain cafe. They tell him their needs, results of an extensive public opinion If it is really true that a majority from employment to construction poll conducted in all countries of the in Montenegro is optimistic, satisfied licence, and he tells them whether it Western Balkans which asked the citi- with their lives, satisfied with the work can or cannot be done. Usually it can. zens to evaluate the situation in their of the government and at the same Than come the elections and the country and future prospects. Montene- time believes it is perfectly normal to "secret ballot", from which the party of gro's results spell out several messages. engage in corrupt practices, the natu- the said official emerges every time The first is that the citizens of ral conclusion is that Montenegro at stronger. Is this European "solidarity" or Montenegro, together with their the moment does not share a naked clientelism with the most bla- neighbours from Kosovo, are extreme- European worldview. And that it is still tant abuse of power? ly optimistic about the future, unlike very far away from the European val- And with such practices, can the other countries of the region, ues which would demand instead an Montenegro be closer to Europe than especially Macedonia and Bosnia and accountable government and self- its neighbours? Herzegovina. reflexive citizens. When will Montenegro stop The second is that 71% of That, in turn, means that the key cheating on itself? Montenegrin population is satisfied characteristic of Montenegro is still If we don't face the mirror and with their lives, and 55% evaluates obedience and indulgence of the think through this on our own the Government's work positively. powerful. If a majority still believes in opinion of the European Commission The third is that 54% of the the need to bribe a public notary in will be of little help.

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P R O F D R F I L I P K O V A ^ E V I ] Xf!pvhiu!up!dibohf!uif!dpotdjfodf

rofessor of political psychology I T S E J

at the University of Montenegro I

P V

o Dr Filip Kova~evi} says we "must t o h not" also democratisation in Mon- p tenegro to depend solely on the interests of European Union. In the interview for the European Pulse Kova~evi} said that Montenegro ought to fight for its place among the democratic state by changing the conscience, the political mentality of its citizens. A number of advocates of European integrations believe that Montenegro can only institute gen- uine rule of law through the process of integrations, i.e. under the pressure from Brussels. Do you agree with them, and do you see any alternative?

Unfortunately, respect for the Filip Kova~evi} law and the rule of law that exist in the European Union are still a are very familiar with the dossier of of "big" powers and "higher" inter- utopia for Montenegro. the Democratic Party of Socialists ests. The responsibility for this lies (DPS), praise the achievements of Public opinion polls show mostly with the political elite. the current prime minister and his that more than 70% of Mon- tenegrin citizens support EU mem- Montenegro's citizens are tired of suffering and ruin of the last few bership. Is this a case of blindly decades. They see European Union as an answer to all their prob- following political leaders, hope lems, as a medicine that will cure every illness, some kind of par- that EU membership will improve adise on Earth. Their genuine yearnings are then exploited by polit- their living standards or something ical parties to score political points else? However, we must not allow team. Montenegro's citizens are tired democratisation in Montenegro to Montenegro must become a of suffering and ruin of the last few depend on the interests of genuinely, profoundly independent decades. European Union. The EU can also country by fighting on its own, They see European Union as have an interest to keep us as we through changes in the political an answer to all their problems, as are, on the level of pre-political and pre-democratic political Instead of being the symbol of democratisation and international development in order to control solidarity, European Union is ever more frequently likened to the and manipulate us more easily. former Soviet Union This is exactly the kind of mentality of its people, for a place a medicine that will cure every ill- behaviour we can observe in Javier among democracies. If we fail to ness, some kind of paradise on Solana and Olli Rehn who, cyni- do so, we will forever remain a Earth. cally and neo-colonially, since they subject of calculations on the part Their genuine yearnings are

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exploited by political parties who regard to operationalisation of sur- this process is likely to continue. wish to increase their ratings. vey questions, one should also bear Simply put, it is becoming Representatives of the DPS-SDP in mind that this poll was conduct- clear that the EU framework does (Social-democratic party) coalition ed in September and October last not work in the interests of large are true champions of such manip- year when the ruling machinery in capital (monopolies, banks etc.) ulations, who even named their Montenegro and its media suite who were the main drivers of the coalition "European Montenegro" censored out any mention of the establishment of the Common although, as you can easily see, global financial crisis. Market and EU in the past. every political party supports At the moment, its findings are This is not entirely bad news, European integrations. quite inapplicable except, of since it opens up the opportunities Therefore, there are unfound- course, as a propaganda tool. for the establishment of a different ed illusions about European Union European Union is already witnessing the beginnings of process of which are exploited by the politi- decomposition, and I believe this process is likely to continue. cal class for their own goals. Simply put, it is becoming clear that the EU framework does not You say that Montenegro's work well for the interests of large capital (monopolies, banks etc.) citizens are tired of suffering, but a who were the main drivers of the establishment of the Common recent Gallup polls shows that 71% Market and EU in the past of the citizens of Montenegro are satisfied with their lives, 55% has Do you believe that the EU EU where, for example, the rights positive things to say about the will overcome its institutional crisis? and prosperity of common citizens activities of the Government, and, Advocates of European integrations will be a priority. together with the citizens of remind that in the past the EU has This is why the creation a pan- Kosovo, our citizens are the most emerged stronger from every crisis European network of alternative optimistic compared to other and that this time it will be the social movements, non-govern- countries of the Western Balkans same. mental organisations, trade unions, regarding their future. How do you European Union is already wit- independent academic communi- explain this? nessing the beginnings of process ties etc. is of paramount impor- With all due caution with of decomposition, and I believe tance. To an extent, such a structure already exists within the European FFRREEQQUUEENNTT CCOOMMPPAARRIISSOONNSS Social Forum, but it needs to be strengthened further before it can represent a credible alternative. BBEETTWWEEEENN EEUU AANNDD UUSSSSRR What is the European Social Are you a Eurosceptic or you are just projecting this image because of Forum? your sharp criticism of European bureaucrats and certain leaders? European Social Forum is an The real question is whether the existing EU institutions expand or limit annual conference held by pro- the space for elementary democratic freedoms and rights of the citizens of gressive social movements, non- European Union. governmental organisations and Instead of being the symbol of democratisation and international solidar- individuals and motivated by the ity, European Union is ever more frequently likened to the former Soviet Union. idea that "Another Europe is Just read recent statements by the Czech President Vaclav Klaus. I am sure Possible". It represents the that Klaus, who spent a good deal of his life under Soviets, knows very well European branch of the World what he means by that. Bureaucracy that is an end in itself - because who Social Forum and advocates the can really hold accountable European Commission and its numerous direc- vision of a world ruled by equality torates, countless offices - is particularly allergic to the projects of authentic and social justice. human emancipation, rights of immigrants, workers' rights etc. This is easily You can find more about them observed also in the growing dissatisfaction of the common citizens with at 222.esf2008.org "European" initiatives. European Union has become a fortress not only for the rest of Europe, but increasingly for its own citizens and peoples. V. @UGI]

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M O N T E N E G R O ' S A C C E S S I O N T O E U R O P E A N U N I O N Xibu!jt!uif!Tubcjmjtbujpo!boe!Bttpdjbujpo!Bhsffnfou@ //////// SAA is an international agreement tries, including transformation of between European Union and a the political, socio-economic, West Balkan country which pre- institutional, legal and security tabilisation scribes a reform programme that systems of these countries. The Sand Asso- the country must implement in Agreement contributes to the ciation Process order to become a candidate for strengthening of regional stability, (SAP) is the EU membership. SSA is based on establishment and maintenance political and the values of democracy, human of a stable European order based institutional rights, rule of law and market on European Union as the cen- economy. It has a strong focus on tral pillar; by Vladimir Pavi}evi} political and economic stabilisation - Association - establishment of an of the Western Balkans. Two most adequate framework for political framework for a long-term EU pol- important commitments that dialogue that allows for develop- icy towards the countries of the Montenegro undertook by signing ment of political relations Western Balkans (Serbia, Mon- these agreements are the establish- between signatories, support for tenegro, Croatia, Macedonia, Alba- Stabilisation and Association Agreement is based on the principles nia and Bosnia and Herzegovina), of democracy, human rights, rule of law and market economy with the goal of associating these countries with the EU, and estab- ment of a free trade area and har- implementation of market lishing durable stability and eco- monisation of Montenegrin legisla- reforms and development of har- nomic prosperity in each of these tion with EU laws. monious economic relations, countries, as well as in the region The goals of SAA can be clas- with the goal instituting a free as a whole. sified into three categories - stabil- trade area, and support for Stabilisation and Association isation, association and free trade regional integration; Process, as well as the status of an area. - Free Trade Area - once this "associate" and eventual accession - Stabilisation - full, durable stabil- Agreement comes into force, all to EU have become important ele- isation of the West Balkan coun- tariffs, quotas and similar meas- ments of the strategic orientation of ures aimed at imports of indus- reform governments of the five trial and agricultural products to countries in the region, as well as EU (excluding certain agricultur- key incentives for and support in al, textile and steel products) will the process of transition and mod- be abolished. A number of tariffs ernisation of their economies and on import of sensitive industrial overall social relations. and agricultural products will be Trade and financial support gradually phased out until the prescribed as part of SAP have expiry of the transition period. direct effects on the improvement Stabilisation and Association of economic position of these Agreement between the European countries. Institutional rapproche- Communities and their Member ment with EU enhances their States, of the one part, and the capacities for regional cooperation Republic of Montenegro, of the (one of the preconditions for EU other part, contains a preamble, accession) and the overall general principles and nine chap- improvement of bilateral relations ters. Among the general principles with other countries of the region. are: respect for the democratic The core of the SAP process is principles and human rights, rule of the conclusion of the Stabilisation law, international law, as well as and Association Agreement (SAA). the principles of market economy.

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The remaining nine chapters cover the following areas: political dia- logue, regional cooperation; free movement of goods; free move- ment of workers, right to establish enterprise and provide capital and services; harmonisation of legisla- tion and its enforcement, competi- tion policy regulations; cooperation in justice and home affairs; coop- eration policies; financial coopera- tion; general and institutional pro- visions. In the course of negotiations preceding the Stabilisation and Association Agreement EU and Montenegro agreed on the length of the transition period for the establishment of free trade area with EU, and drafted a provisional timetable for the harmonisation of Montenegrin legislation with acquis in some priority areas. Once the negotiations were successfully com- pleted, European Communities and European Communities and their adjustments to the legal, economic Montenegro signed the Agreement member states and Montenegro and political standards of the EU on 15 October 2007. In order for came into force in January 2008. require individual and joint efforts the SAA to come into force, it ought to be ratified by all EU Two most important commitments that Montenegro undertook by member states. Until SAA becomes signing these agreements are the establishment of a free trade area operational, trade relations and harmonisation of Montenegrin legislation with EU laws between the Associate and EU are regulated by the Interim By concluding the SAA, Monte- by all citizens and institutions of an Agreement. It is a separate agree- negro becomes an Associate of associate country. All changes that ment concluded in order to ensure European Union and reconfirms its are dictated by the road to EU are faster implementation of those status as a potential candidate for in the interest of Montenegro's parts of SAA that are in the com- membership in the EU. The Agree- development and modernisation. petence of European Communities ment emphasises individual, merit- The role of SAA thus is not (free movement of goods, i.e. based approach for assessing Mon- solely to regulate the relationship industrial and agricultural products tenegro's rapprochement with EU. between Montenegro and the EU as well as fisheries, current Legal and economic adjust- but primarily to regulate relations accounts and the movement of ments related to the implementa- within Montenegro, strengthening the effectiveness of the rule of law Reforms and fundamental adjustments to the legal, economic and and enhancing the overall eco- political standards of the EU require individual and joint efforts by nomic and institutional reforms that all citizens and institutions of an associate country are necessary for Montenegro to capital, competition policy, intel- tion of SAA are the first serious become a modern, developed lectual, industrial and trade prop- step towards overall harmonisation country. erty, and tariffs). Unlike the SAA, that will come into play with full the Interim Agreement does not force once Montenegro becomes The author is a lecturer at the require ratification by EU member an EU membership candidate. Faculty of Political Sciences, states. Interim agreement between Reforms and fundamental University of Belgrade

E u r o p e a n p u l s e N o 4 2 11 E u r o p e a n b a r o m e t e r i n M o n t e n e g r o M a r c h , 2 0 0 9 Njops!jssfhvmbsjujft!boe!sftvmu

by Brano Mandi}

he campaign brought us the "Alas, Tpoor Yorick" worries of Neboj{a Medojevi} with a skull in his hand, eurovisionary Serbhood of Andrija Mandi}, reliquary-polygraph socialism of Sr|an Mili} and last but not the least the usual slime of collective orgasms when Milo \ukanovi} Duke shows up in auditoriums from Plav to Bar. However more modest the com- edy seems to be this time round, this is not the main reason that the elec- tions are coming along quietly like a requiem. This time, it seems, every last aunt of this country understands that the decisive match is not to be played in politics among the parties, that we are simply acting out a little electoral real- ity show while the most important happy to have a job and a paid lunch culprit in this crime that's about to be decisions are being made at some in the cafeteria in these times of cri- committed in a few days. Everybody is table, under a table, in empty hotels sis. This, supposedly, is as good as it waiting to hear the known results, on the coast, in Abu Dhabi, anywhere gets, better cannot be expected from which is a perverted feeling, like in except in the Parliament. this life. That's at least how I, "Hegel's expectation of a fixed game. Even the biggest parliamentarian valet", feel on the 15th of every month. On which note, the world cham- of the South Slavs, Ranko Krivokapi}, Dredges are again scouting the pion Italy arrives just about now to kick around the ball with the brave Even the biggest parliamentarian of the South Slavs, Ranko falcons under Gorica. This will be a Krivokapi}, shrugs his shoulders to say that ministers are running great opportunity to sizzle ourselves to become MPs - just like that. They will "obviously" not take up up with napalm patriotism and show these seats, they are put on the party lists simply to attract that that the ball is round, if not in poli- same aunt who is expected to be plunged into ecstasy once she tics, than at least in sports. The order realises that half of Milo's cabinet is there waiting for her to cir- has arrived from the football federa- cle their names tion that no flag is to appear on that day on the stadium except for the shrugs his shoulders to say that minis- streets, sidewalks are being lifted out Montenegrin and Italian ones. ters are running to become MPs - just with filigree precision in every town of The idea is the following: take a like that. They will "obviously" not take the country, "mugi}s" replaced on the three-by-three meters European up these seats, they are put on the streets, cement mixed, everything Union drape and head for the game. party lists simply to attract that same smells of pre-electoral routine which is When the security tells you that's not aunt who is expected to be plunged death to inspiration. allowed, call a press conference or, in into ecstasy once she realises that half Even the Democratic Party of a more radical variant, burn yourself at of Milo's cabinet is there waiting for Socialists (DPS) recycled the slogan the spot singing "all men will become her to circle their names. "Sure" from 13 years ago, which is a brothers". When the elections are over, the great reminiscence and a proof: post- Since there's no chance in held I "riffraff from the bench" will take up modernism crept even into Agit-Prop can get hold of a ticket, I'm offering their positions and we will once again cabinets ready to revive the history of my idea for free to be implemented by have a group of citizens in the parlia- victories past. any activist of any party that empathis- ment to adopt pro-European laws But the Opposition is the main es with comrade Topolanek and other

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comrades. The same perform- maxime "Love, and do what you ance can be staged with an like". Marvellous summary of the American flag. Then you go up Ten Commandments. "Vote, and to Ambassador Moore and ask do what you like" sounds even for asylum, settle down some- better when you're a professor where in Iowa and breed cattle in a school in Podgorica and until the end of your life. your director is a rotten agitator Some ten years ago one late in the jeep and trip of a nation- criminal had a fancy bar in the al worker. centre of Bar where they would- Finally, a few permutations n't let you in with your hat on. for the most persistent. Forecasts Take off that cap! (a reggae knit- suggest that at least four parties ted cap in the colours of rainbow). can score close to the census The pounding of this last limit. In other words, a tiny bit twitch of individualism is of fraud, of the order of a few nobody's worry. What is way thousand votes, can leave sever- more important is our conduct al parties out of the parliament. in the midfield at that historical In this case, Mr Dont would game in the midst of the pre- subtly transfer their votes to election silence. you-know-who. Every election That would be the key until now was teeming with question: do people understand "minor shortcomings that had no that somebody is depriving them significant impact on the final of the fundamental right to wear flags Poisonous juices in a province where result". This time, the "minor short- and caps of their choice? the main music manager in town is a comings" can put a cherry on the top Still, the youth is a little more warmonger who reads Marcuse but of a large electoral victory. pumped up, so they're chatting with "respects the fact that many people Whichever way it turns out, the the vice president of DPS Svetozar like Britney". next year will be "full of challenges", Marovi}. One young chatter is asking That the average wage is half the says Luk{i}, the minister of finance. It who will he bring to Jazz next year, price of the average consumer basket would not be a good idea to experi- and Sveto writes back: Britney Spears. is irrelevant when compared with the ment with the change of government What can we learn from this times when we were occupied by the now. A victory for DPS will give them father-to-son conversation? First of all, the ruling class has been information- When the elections are over, the "riffraff from the bench" will take ally emancipated, they can type key- up their positions and we will once again have a group of citizens boards. Second, young people have in the parliament to adopt pro-EEuropean laws happy to have a job caught the rhythm: one concert per and a paid lunch in the cafeteria in these times of crisis. This, sup- year. Every f*ing June, heading straight posedly, is as good as it gets, better cannot be expected from this to Jazz. Waiting for one concert for life twelve (12) months to dedicate it to the tourists and local congregation. Ottomans or lived in unequal warring a mandate until 2013, which is 24 This is one discreet rhythm which does communities of the Balkan peoples. years since they took the reins of the not bother anyone. We'll sit in our In translation, that would mean government in their teeth and took out leasing-financed cars, put on some- that life has never been better in the whip of revolution. OK, it makes thing casual and twist till dawn. We Montenegro. In a pub in Podgorica, you feel a little ashamed when you're can also conclude that DPS will never next to the toilet hole somebody wrote talking about politics to foreigners, but lose the power, since they've taken "Long live life". Is there a better slogan whoever asked you to talk about stu- the marketing-wise turn: go for the to disarm all unfulfilled critics? Long pidities in the first place. young. The young have no visa to get live life, we continue in the best of You can tell them about concerts, out of the country, but the have a Olympic spirits, without a single insti- about Pamela Anderson, or, like min- vision how to live in it. tution that would be more trusted by ister Ro}en, cite them Tennyson, the How are the visions without visas? the citizens than the church. It must court poet who wrote about us big Please refer to the past twenty years. be ten years now that the church time. Blooming reform spirits and we're all comes victorious out of every opinion one little happy incestuous family. We poll. The city of God, to quote St The author is a journalist of the marry each other and exchange juices. Augustin, the author of the famous daily newspaper "Vijesti"

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G O V E R N M E N T A N D N O N -GG O V E R N M E N T A L O R G A N I S A T I O N I N T H E E U R O P E A N I N T E G R A T I O N S P R O C E S S Qbsuofst!ps!bewfstbsjft@

//////// environment and sustainable development. to EU, on the various aspects of this The agreement is open to all non-govern- process, negotiations, reforms and results, mental organisations and civic society as well as on the greater involvement of tabilisation and organisations that wish to join it. NGOs in the implementation of the SAssociation Those NGOs who expressed their Communication Strategy to inform Agreement (SAA) interest in the matter were involved in the Montenegrin public about the EU accession and European creation of the Communication Strategy to process. The Government will also create Partnership both inform Montenegrin public about the EU the conditions for the involvement of NGO singled out coop- accession process. representatives in the process of translating eration between Secretariat for European integrations, certain parts of the acquis, using their the government in cooperation with NGOs prepares annu- expert and professional capacities". al action plans, as well as joint reports on The strategy also states that the by Stevo Muk implemented activities, and both these Government will make "information and documents need to be subsequently data on the use of EU pre-accession fund and non-governmental organisations as an endorsed by the Government. available to the NGOs and ensure greater important area with regard to fulfilling the In spite of this, a significant number of participation of their representatives in set- requirements for accession to European non-governmental organisations believe that ting the priorities to be financed from the Union. This question is clearly defined in Montenegro still lacks sufficient and ade- said funds. Also, related to the pre-acces- the preamble of the SAA, which stipulates quate mechanisms for continuous informa- sion funds, the Government will consider the commitment of both parties to con- tion and participation of NGOs in the the possibility of creating mechanisms for tribute as much as is in their power to the process of Montenegro's association with EU, the co-financing of NGO projects that political, economic and institutional stabili- and that these organisations are frequently receive EU funding from the revenues sation of Montenegro and the entire region left out in the process of consultations and received from hazard games. The govern- through, among other, development of the agenda setting in the context of program- ment will "support NGO's efforts to estab- civil society, democratisation, institution ming the implementation of pre-accession lish and maintain contacts with the partners building and public administration reform. funds. from other countries of the region and EU Memorandum on Cooperation bet- Strategy for cooperation between the member states, as well as EU institutions, be they representatives of non-governmen- Cooperation requires openness, willingness to accept criticism, tal or national and EU administrative struc- readiness to provide the partners with the necessary resources tures. With regard to the training of public servants and NGO activists in the specific ween the Secretariat for European Government of Montenegro and non-gov- matters of European integrations that can Integrations and twelve non-governmental ernmental organisations, adopted in January play an important role in informing and organisations was signed in May 2008 in 2009, states that "European integrations preparing the citizens for the adoption of Cetinje. It was an event which accompanied represent a process which reaches into standards in certain areas, the Government public debate on the draft National Plan for every segment of the political and social life and NGOs will pool their capacities". Integration of Montenegro into European of a country. Therefore the NGOs have In spite of this, while the implemen- Union. This Memorandum came to replace been very active in monitoring and sup- tation of the Action plan of the the one concluded between the Ministry for porting the European integrations process. Government of Montenegro regarding Foreign Economic Relations and European The process of EU accession can serve as a NATO accession, for instance, received Integrations and a number of non-govern- potential catalyser for the adoption of substantial financing from the state budget, mental organisations in June 2004. The new agreement envisages cooper- Public participation in the development of public policies is aimed ation in the fields of reform necessary for at improving these policies, as the involvement of other actors the implementation of the SAA and associ- outside of the Government maximises resources available to a ation with EU; strengthening of administra- society tive capacities of the country in order to harmonise its legislation with EU acquis; European principles of good governance including some financing for the activities implementation of the Communication and as a solid foundation for the strength- of non-governmental organisation, imple- Strategy to inform the public about the ening of the culture of dialogue and estab- mentation of the Strategy and Action plans Montenegro's association process with EU; lishment of effective cooperation mecha- in the process of European integrations preparations for EU pre-accession funds, nisms between the Government and NGOs. received no budget financing. development of economic and social cohe- The government will continue to promote Most NGOs in the country are unan- sion and preservation of natural and cultur- permanent public dialogue on the process imous in their assessment that enlisting the al heritage, as well as protection of the of association and accession of Montenegro activities of non-governmental organisations

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that have not been financed by the years ago, in order to establish a legal Government but received funding basis and identify procedures for the from private donors, international participation of the public, and espe- and other foreign organisations and cially non-governmental organisa- institutions in the Government's tions, in the development of public reports on the implementation of the policies. The Government insists this Communication Strategy is a bad would only slow down the legislative practice that ought to be immediate- process. This is hardly acceptable, ly discontinued. because the implementation of this For more than a year, law and the legislative process in Secretariat for European Integrations general ought to be based on a clear, has been promising a new Strategy precise and observed blueprint, but for informing the public about also because democratic procedures Montenegro's association process are always more demanding in terms with European Union. The new strat- of time and other resources than egy ought to be developed with par- authoritarian individual decisions. ticipation of all interested non-gov- Unfortunately, this attitude on the ernmental organisations, especially part of the Government testifies to those who have signed the memo- the lack of political will to open up randum of understanding with SEI. to the public to the extent required The process has not yet been ini- by the complexity of European inte- tialised, however, and in order to gration process. create a serious document both sides Cooperation requires openness, ought to secure adequate resources. willingness to accept criticism, readi- As for the National Plan for Integration outsiders. ness to provide the partners with necessary of Montenegro into European Union, The communique states that " the resources. Cooperation also requires joint Secretariat for European Integrations Questionnaire is the property of European planning and joint implementation when believes that non-governmental sector can Commission, which is not eager to see this is in their mutual interests, but also the be involved in revising the NPI "in accor- these questions made public. It should freedom for non-governmental organisa- dance with their programmes and capaci- therefore be clearly explained to the tions to act freely and independently, ties - for example, through direct expert national public that the questions and including their right to publicly comment support in various segments of the EU law answers can only be published once the on the quality of work of public officials or securing such support via projects with process is completed, i.e. once the and institutions. Public participation in the develop- If the goal of "cooperation" is simply to be able to say in a report ment of public policies is aimed at improv- sent to some important European address that the Government ing these policies, as the involvement of and NGOs have signed a memorandum on cooperation and are other actors outside of the Government maximises resources available to a society. cooperating in some technical matters, the approach is not simply It strengthens democracy, because public flawed -iin the long run, it cannot yield positive results neither for participation can only make the the Government nor for NGOs nor for the society and the state Government more transparent and more accountable. It strengthens the trust in the foreign non-governmental and other organ- European Commission formulates its final Government, because the public is involved isations; through joint projects such as opinion". Until then, all information for the in the planning, contributes to the prepa- compiling glossaries for certain areas; in public ought to be focused on "general rations and thus has a greater sense of translating EU regulations and, naturally, by information (the number of questions in ownership over the results of these policies. providing proposals, suggestions and com- total and per chapter, the basic gist of the If, on the other hand, the goal of ments to the already adopted NPI for questions, without citing them)". The cooperation is simply to be able to say in 2008-2012". answer to the question - how are the non- a report sent to some important European To date, however, the Government has governmental organisations to be involved address that the Government and NGOs failed to provide a set of concrete, struc- in this process - remains unanswered, but have signed a memorandum on coopera- tured guidelines to possible forms of coop- the apparent introvert character of this tion and are cooperating in some technical eration in this important work. process does not leave much scope for matters, the approach is not simply flawed While awaiting the positive signal to NGO's involvement and cooperation. -in the long run, it cannot yield positive Montenegro's application for a candidate Deputy prime minister for European results neither for the Government nor for status for EU membership, non-govern- Integrations, as the head of the Commission NGOs nor for the society and the state. mental organisations are also awaiting the for fighting corruption and organised crime, This is therefore the right moment for invitation to give their contribution to cre- stood firmly by the Government's decision all actors in this cooperation to rethink ate quality responses to the Questionnaire not to include the need for the adoption of what they could do to make it substantive- of the European Commission. In the mean- a law on transparency in preparing and ly and qualitatively different. time, in January, the Government circulat- implementing state legislation in the new ed a recommendation to all employees in Action Plan. This document was proposed The author is the president of the public administration not to give the EC by the Centre for Development of Non- Board of Directors of the Institute Alter- questions or Government's answers to the Governmental Organisations (CDNGO) two native (IA)

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W H Y D O I W A N T T O B E A C I T I Z E N O F E U R O P E A N U N I O N J!cfmjfwf!jo!Fvspqfbo!gvuvsf

//////// course, there are always two types of problem for them, they have the applications: for the students from right to decide independently. European Union, and for those com- Once we become citizens of EU, he unique ing from non-EU countries. I could with time we will also assimilate into Tcreation ba- just physically feel the weight of the this European culture. I am so look- sed on the ele- "non-EU countries" application, as I ing forward to that moment. I will be ments of sever- carried the pile of application papers overjoyed to see people confidently al models as with all the accompanying docu- crossing at the zebra, without waiting explained by ments. Not an encouraging process for a car to take mercy and slow for anyone. down, i.e. recall the rules and prior- by Milja Stanojevi} I want to spend every semester ities of city traffic. To feel that the in another city of European Union, laws and rules are really followed. To the professor Miroslav Prokopijevi}, is freely and without anxieties, I want change people's twisted beliefs that the definition of European Union to have the same opportunities as an individual breaking a law is some- that is the closest to my understand- those of my colleagues from the "EU one to be punished, not to be ing of it. countries" category. praised for his or her resourcefulness. A group of elite states function- I want to learn, gather new To see respect to each other and ing according to the same rules in experiences and improve my politeness in dealing with the elder- the realms of education, political sys- chances. ly, giving up your seat on the bus or tems and equality. Is that too much to ask? in the line at the bank. When I see Diversity of languages and cul- Sometimes, when I look through that those individuals who are differ- tural models are what truly inspires the "Only for students from EU " pro- ent from the rest are not ostracised me when I think about European grammes, I think how privileged through prejudices but accepted as a Union. these EU students are compared to part of the society. We must learn I belong to that majority of stu- us. They are so much closer to each that these differences only makes us dents who like learning foreign lan- other, simply because communication richer. These are the things to be guages, travelling, meeting people and personal encounters are not a resolved on the level of personal from other cultures and experiencing beliefs and family upbringing, were new things. I believe that for the sake all such codes of conduct begin. of our better education being citizens Once we are through the "reforms" of of EU would make our plans and our conscience, we can safely con- goals more easily attainable. sider the work half done - construc- Unfortunately here we are tion of the identity of a citizen! bogged down by obstacles as soon as I have always been an optimist. we start, like the infamous visa I always believe there is a solution to regime. I know that the Agreement everything, even for us - "Non EU on Visa Facilitation was signed and students". came into force in January 2008. I I believe I will soon become a still haven't heard of anybody who citizen of European Union and enjoy got his or her visa smoothly, within the benefits of a healthy, prosperous the stipulated time frame and with- life. out having to collect first a "book" of documents. The author is a II year student of I am just preparing to apply for the Faculty for International a scholarship in one EU country, Economics, Finance and Business of hoping to spend one year of my the University of Donja Gorica undergraduate studies at one of the (UDG). She attended VIII generation renowned universities in Europe. Of of European Integrations School

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Ofx!mjhiu!cvmct!hppe!gps!uif!xbmmfu WWoommeenn ppaaiidd lleessss n March, European Commission adopted bulbs, an average EU household using flu- Itwo regulations envisaging replacement of orescent onews could save between 25 and n the EU, women earn on average the traditional light bulbs with energy-sav- 50 euros per year on their energy bills. I17.4% less than men for doing the same ing bulbs to increase energy efficiency of These regulations are only a small part job, says the European Commission in a households, offices, streets and in industry. of the package of measures to be adopted report on gender inequality. By implementing these regulations EU by the Commission in the next few years, Although "equal pay for equal work" should save up to 80 TWh of electricity by and will concern a great number of prod- is one of the basic EU principles, EC report 2020, which is equivalent to energy con- ucts in electronics, white goods and heat- show that women are overrepresented in

sumption of Belgium, and reduce CO2 ing devices. sectors where wages are lower, such as emissions by 32 million tons per year. health, education and public administration Old-fashioned light bulbs will be grad- where 40% of women are employed. ually replaced by the improved version Nevertheless, according to the EC starting with this year. It expected that the report, 59% of all university educated replacement process will be completed by employed persons are women. 2012. In spite of this, women are still far Households can choose between long- less represented in economic and political lasting fluorescent light bulbs which are cur- decision-makign bodies in the EU. All 27 rently the most energy-efficient (spending central banks of the EU members, for 75% less than the conventional bulbs) or instance, are headed by a man. halogen ones, which are absolutely equiva- The number of women in national lent to the conventional light bulbs in terms parliaments of EU member states has of quality, but spend 25% to 50% of ener- increased in the last decade, from 16% in gy consumed by the former. 1997 to 24% in 2008. 31% of the Depending on the number of light- European Parliament MPs are women. On the level of governments, the ratio between women and men ministers is 75:25. Vq!up!21!ljmpt!pg!nffu!up!FV AAllbbaanniiaa ttoo aappppllyy bbyy JJuunnee uropean Commission adopted new reg- As for fish, crabs and some shells, the Eulations that forbid individuals to bring in passengers to EU can bring in up to 20 lbania intends to apply for EU mem- animal products from some third countries kilograms of these or one fish, if its weight Abership by the end of June 2009 and to EU. The regulation will come into force exceeds 20 kg. its intention has been approved in princi- on 1 May. The rules are not applied to animal ple by the Czech presidency, said the Meet, milk and the related products products taken from one EU country to Albanian Prime minister Sali Berisha. will not be allowed across the border in the another or for those coming from Andorra, European Commission believes that amount exceeding 10 kilograms per passen- Lichtenstein, Norway, San Marino and a precondition for application is a fair ger coming from Croatia, Faroe Islands, Switzerland. conduct of parliamentary elections in Greenland or Iceland. In order to make these rules known to Albania. Berisha warned that, should Exceptions are baby food, powdered the travelers, the EU initiated a campaign there be any obstacle to Albanian appli- milk for the consumption of children, and next year, with posters in 35 languages cation, it may entail a loss of popular food consumed for medical reasons, in the warning passengers in harbours, airports and support for EU membership which in amount not exceeding 2 kilograms. other entry points about the new regulation. Albania stands at a high 96%. FFeewweerr nniigghhttss iinn Dsjtjt!dibohft!uif!nfov hhootteellss n the next few years, Europeans will n the EU, the highest number of hotel Iconsume less meat and expensive Inights last year was recorded in Spain cheeses, concludes European Commission (270 million), Italy (247), Germany (219), in its latest forecast for the EU agricultur- France (204) and UK (173). al sector in the period 2008-2015. These five countries account for more Because of recession, in the next two than 70% of hotel nights spent in the EU. years EU citizens are likely to reduce con- However, according to the Eurostat, the sumption of expensive beef, lamb and number of hotel nights in the EU fell by 0.5% cheese, while chicken and pork meat will last year compared to 2007. The number of fare much better because of lower prices hotel nights spent by nationals remained and consumers' choice, predicts the more or less stable, while the number of report. nights by foreigners decreased by 1.1%.

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S E L E C T I O N O F T H E N E W E U R O P E A N C O M M I S S I O N A P O L I T I C A L L Y C O M P L E X T A S K Dpnnjttjpofst!po!qbsuz!mjtut

he selection of a new European missioners will feature in the next TCommission, never the simplest college. of political tasks, will this year be According to EurActiv, the next more complex than ever. European Commission may feature Politically and institutionally, as many as twenty new faces, with 2009 contains a whole range of most of its current members permutations regarding the next EU expected to leave the EU executive executive. on their own initiative or as a result At the political level, it remains of changing national political con- to be seen how many commission- texts. ers will seek a second mandate and It is relatively common for how many may instead run in commissioners to leave their posi- June's European elections. tions during or at the end of their Meanwhile, on the institutional mandates in order to take national plane, the Irish must vote again on office, usually in government. High- the Lisbon Treaty. With the result profile 'defectors' in 2008 included weakens the Commission, both in uncertain, it is unclear both when Peter Mandelson and Franco terms of its administrative continu- the new Commission will enter into Frattini. ity and general public perception. force and exactly how many com- Critics often argue that this Indeed, as recently as last month, Dalia Grybauskaite, the EU's com- THE VACUUM BETWEEN NICE AND LISBON missioner for budget and financial planning, announced that she will his year differs from 'business as usual' in one crucial respect: because of leave Brussels to run for the Tthe ongoing uncertainty over the Lisbon Treaty and whether it will be rat- Lithuanian presidency. ified in all member states, there is, quite simply, institutional chaos. Of particular interest this year, The European elections will be held under the Nice Treaty, which as well however, is the fact that many as reducing the overall number of MEPs, stipulates that the college of commi- commissioners intend to put them- sioners must be reduced by at least one (i.e. up to a maximum of 26). While European leaders have agreed that the new Commission president will be selves forward for the EU elections named immediately after the elections, there is as yet no consensus on how in June, as high-profile names on and when the new college will take office. their national party lists. If they This leaves open the possibility that the term of the current 27 will be choose to return to their home extended until Ireland, as is generally expected, holds a second Lisbon refer- countries to engage in active cam- endum in October 2009. The Swedish EU Presidency has already announced paigning, they must leave their it will hold its autumn European Council summit in early November - con- positions. However, if they simply siderably later than normal - in order to allow for the Irish permutations. attach their name to a party list, If Ireland votes 'yes', and Lisbon comes into force (it is expected that an they are not required to step down. Irish 'yes' would lead to definitive ratification in Poland and the Czech As a result, a commissioner could, Republic), then the new Commission would be reappointed, with one mem- ber per country as promised to Ireland after its failed referendum in 2008. in theory, head an electoral list in If Ireland votes 'no', the matter becomes more complex. In order to com- their member state and gain many ply with the terms of Nice, the new Commission would have to be reduced votes due to his/her high profile, by at least one member. That will cause further disputes between member then decide to not take up their states and most probably end up in another institutional compromise. seat in the Parliament, thus passing Some European politicians, exasperated with the 'Irish problem,' have their seat to the next person on the called for Ireland to lose its commissioner should a second referendum be list, all the while continuing to work defeated, thus satisfying the Nice criteria. It is not very likely, however, that for the EU executive. such a 'punishment tactic' scenario will materialise. Poul Nyrup Rasmussen, presi-

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dent of the Party of European 2008 his desire to serve a second Socialists (PES), told EurActiv that term as Commission president, Jose "some commissioners will use their Manuel Barroso's reappointment is position to promote themselves as believed by many to be inevitable. candidates. That is wrong, and the However, the onslaught of the president of the Commission should financial crisis has dimmed his star insist that anyone who does so somewhat. must stand down". Previously, it seemed Barroso Strongly rebuking this practice, enjoyed the support of a healthy Rasmussen said although "commis- majority of Europe's powerful sioners are party-political," they troupe of centre-right leaders - "need to keep their official duties Germany's Angela Merkel, France's very separate from their political Nicolas Sarkozy, Italy's Silvio Berlu- activities". sconi, Luxembourg's Jean-CClaude "I am not very happy with the Juncker and European Parliament idea of commissioners standing Ollli Rehn President Hans-GGert Pottering - as down only for the duration of the well as some centre-left leaders campaign - as if being a commis- interesting to do," protested such as Spain's Jose Luis Rodreguez sioner was an unimportant task that Rasmussen. Zapatero and Portugal's Jose can simply be set aside if the com- As for the place of the presi- Socrates. missioner has something more dent, since he announced in July However, Sarkozy, speaking at the conclusion of an extraordinary EU summit on in March 2009, declined to give unreserved support RREEHHNN TTOO RREEMMAAIINN for the former Portuguese prime any expect to see new faces in the next European Commission. While minister, recommending instead Mthere seems to be no serious alternative to replace current Commission that EU leaders wait until Ireland President Jose Manuel Barroso, many others are expected to be called back takes a second vote on the Lisbon home. Treaty. Angela Merkel seems to be According to EurActiv, just five other commissioners are likely to stay for equally undecided on whether to a second term. These include Italian Transport Commissioner Antonio Tajani, support Barroso, while she assesses Estonian Siim Kallas (administration and anti-fraud), Finn Olli Rehn (enlarge- his ongoing handling of the finan- ment), Luxembourger Viviane Reding (information society) and Bulgarian cial crisis. Meglena Kuneva (consumer affairs). Slovenian Janez Poto~nik (science and research) and Latvian Andris Despite these recent setbacks, Piebalgs (energy) might also have a chance of being offered a second man- Barroso maintains strong support date. among many members of the While others may also wish to continue, such as UK Trade Commissioner European Council (who appoint the Catherine Ashton, they still lack backing from their own governments. Commission president) and the only Over at the European Parliament, Socialist Group leader Martin Schulz, a conceivable obstacle for his reap- German MEP, may find himself as the EU assembly's next president for two- pointment is the European elections and-a-half years, followed for another two-and-a-half years by the current in June. Should European Socialists chairman of the Parliament's foreign affairs committee, centre-right Polish MEP and other leftist groups defy current Jacek Saryusz-WWolski, chief negotiator for Poland's EU accession. polls and win a clear majority in According to persistent rumours, Tony Blair may be on track to become the first permanent president of Europe, if, that is, the Lisbon Treaty is finally this year's ballot, it could increase ratified. He is said to have the backing of key EU statesmen, including French popular pressure on European President Nicolas Sarkozy. leaders to appoint a centre-left Dutchman Jaap de Hoop Scheffer, currently NATO's secretary-general, is president, given that the Parliament being mooted as the first 'High EU Representative for Foreign Affairs and must approve the Council's choice Security Policy'. The post is another of the top jobs introduced under the of new commission president by Lisbon Treaty, and merges the current positions of external relations commis- simple majority. sioner (held by Benita Ferrero-WWaldner) and EU high representative for for- eign affairs and security policy, currently held by Javier Solana. V.[.-VV.@.

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I N T E G R A T I O N O F M O N T E N E G R O I N T O E U A N D T H E D E V E L O P M E N T O F S M A L L A N D M E D I U M E N T E R P R I S E S Cvtjoftt!gspn!uif!gjstu!hsbef

one of the key factors of econom- ic development and the schooling system must provide the founda- he establishment of the Loan lem, while KGF was supposed to tions for development of entrepre- TGuarantee Fund (Kreditno- provide funds for development neurship. This needs to be comple- garanti fond - KFG) as the key projects. Montenegro is a small mented by applied programmes of institution supporting small and country and we must use the teaching contemporary business medium enterprises (SMEs) and resources rationally", Vuk~evi} said. skills in various areas through infor- introduction of business education KGF should improve economic mal education" Vuk~evi} said. into the educational system from position of this sector, contribute to According to the Progress the first grade on are the two most the quicker, more even develop- Report for Montenegro published important steps in Montenegro's ment on the national, regional and by the European Commission in rapprochement with the EU with The sector of small and medium enterprises is one of the key eco- regard to development of small and nomic pillars of EU, and the European Commission has worked out medium enterprises. a precise scheme of financial assistance to such companies This sector constitutes one of the key economic pillars in the EU, local levels and improve their com- November 2008, the policy of and the European Commission has petitiveness and capacity for inno- development of small and medium worked out a precise scheme of vation. enterprises in the process of financial assistance to such compa- "The second major step is to European integrations is being suc- nies. European Mutual Guarantee introduce business education into cessfully implemented and Mon- Association (EMGA), European the educational system from the tenegro is dedicated to implemen- Investment Bank (EIB) and first grade of the primary school, tation of the European Charter of European Investment Fund (EIF) are which nowadays exists as an SMEs. only some of the institutions whose optional subject in elementary and So far, the Government has task is to support development of secondary schools. Knowledge is adopted a National Strategy for small and medium businesses, and each of the member states also has its own schemes for strengthening the SMEs. Director of the Montenegrin Directory for Development of SMEs Zoran Vuk~evi} told European Reporter that the establishment of KGF was made possible by a Law on Banks adopted in March 2008, in order to complete the institu- tional structure providing access to financing. "Our Directorate began this work last year with assistance of EU experts and the KGF was supposed to become operational early this year. Unfortunately, the global crisis prevented our plans. We are now faced with a huge liquidity prob- Zoran Vuk~evi}

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Development of SMEs, programme to eliminate business barriers, established a Council for the elimi- nation of business barriers, adopted a new Law on Banks which is the precondition for the Loan Guarantee Fund... There is also the Strategy for Life-long Learning in business, as well as a number of measures to increase export potential of SMEs through loan packages for "export promotion" and "grants to re-fund the costs". "European Commission found that we are continuously making progress. We are successfully imple- menting the principles from the Lisbon Charter, but there is certain- ly room for improvement in many areas. Here I mean primarily the 15 days, the permission is consid- mation without asking the citizens elimination of business barriers on ered granted. to provide it", Vuk~evi} announced. the local level which are often an "We hope that local authorities He adds there were some obstacle to the growth of small and will respect the new regulations. efforts to establish the procedures medium enterprises", Vuk~evi} said. Whoever wants to start a business for on-line registration of compa- The European Commission found that Montenegro is continuously nies. making progress in developing small and medium enterprises, but Strategy for Development of there is still room for improvement. This means primarily the elim- SMEs for 2007-2010 envisages ination of business barriers on the local level, Vuk~evi} said adoption of a separate law regulat- ing the sphere of SMEs. The crucial barrier on the local has to collect a number of docu- Vuk~evi} says the adoption of level is acquiring the permission to ments and have them certified by this law is still uncertain, since work, which used to take more several municipal authorities. We many developed countries also lack than a month to be issued. are planning to establish offices in a specific law on SMEs, but the According to the new laws on all municipalities where all these field is well regulated by other acts. internal trade and construction, requests can be processed in one "Experiences differ, and we are municipalities ought to decide on place and enable the communica- now studying different options. work permission requests within 15 tion among municipalities so that Things are constantly changing in days. If they fail to respond within they can acquire additional infor- Montenegro - if we adopt strict regulations and definitions today and the situation changes, it always TTWWOO TTHHIIRRDDSS EEMMPPLLOOYYEEDD BBYY SSMMEESS takes more time to amend the law, mall and medium enterprises are the focus of economic policies of developed and it is not in our interest to keep Scountries, and they occupy a central role in the economic structure of EU. changing the regulations. For There are some 20 million companies in the EU, 98% of which are small instance, if we would stipulate that and medium enterprises, and they employ 90 million people. That means two we can only finance development thirds of the total EU labour force. projects and suddenly there is a More than 70% of total turnover in goods and services is due to SMEs, need to provide liquidity loans we which contribute 60% of EU's GDP. would have to change the law", Vuk~evi} says that up until now Montenegro has 40.544 registered SMEs Vuk~evi} explains. employing 96 000 workers, which is more than 50% of the total number of employees in the country. Their contribution to GDP is about 60%. Marija MIRJA^I]

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questioned its findings, not necessarily deny- ing the existence of corruption at the Dpssvqujpo!jo!fevdbujpo University of Montenegro but doubting the figures presented in the research. He did not suggest any measures or recommendations to decrease corruption although the organisers repeatedly asked for his opinion on this mat- ter. The conference hosted a number of representatives from the region who were willing to share their experiences with the same problem. Professor Dr ^edomir ^upi}, member of the anti-corruption agency of the Government of Serbia said that corruption is undermining education, especially higher education, which is a strategic pillar of a From conference "Only knowledge should get you the title" society. ^upi} emphasised that "it takes two for corruption" but also that "the one who is entre for Civic Education (CCE) and port for this project and said that corruption in office ought to be held responsible". CCentre for Monitoring (CEMI), with sup- in Montenegro cannot leave anyone indiffer- Zorislav Antun Petrovi}, president of port of the German Embassy organised in ent, emphasising that "preventing corruption Transparency International in Croatia spoke Podgorica on 24 March 2009 a conference in education is extremely important for the about some forms of corruption in education titled "Only knowledge should get you the students, parents, teachers and the society as and the measures that have been undertaken title", to mark the completion of the project a whole". in Croatia to combat corruption in this area. "Corruption in Education", which was imple- Special representative of the Rector of The conference was remarkably dynam- mented over the past eleven months. the University of Montenegro, Dr Milo{ Be{i} ic and productive. The organisers announced The project consisted of 7 components: criticised the methodology of the study and further activities in this field. 1) an encompassing research involving CATI, focus groups and in-depth interviews; 2) building capacities in students' organisations NON-GGOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATIONS IN EUROPEAN UNION to fight against corruption; 3) education of high-school students and teachers as preven- ERASMUS STUDENT tive action; 4) analysing the existing legal framework for universities and drafting rec- NETWORK ommendations; 5) a nation-wide media campaign "May it be a school" which involved Unity in diversity, diversity in the unity! four videos broadcasted in the last quarter of 2008 on TV IN, TV Vijesti and RTCG, as well rasmus Student Network (ESN) is one of the biggest student associations in Europe. It was found- as billboards in Podgorica, Nik{i}, Cetinje, Bar Eed in 1990 for supporting and developing student exchange. The first ESM office was estab- and Bijelo Polje, and a series of appearances lished in Utrecht, Netherlands, and was followed by the foundation of ESM offices in a great num- in the media and other public forums; 6) ber of universities throughout Europe. Erasmus Student Network International was established offi- conference "Only knowledge is a title" and 7) cially in October 1990, in Copenhagen, with financial support of the European Commission. Today, nineteen years after its foundation, ESN international has more than 280 local offices publication on the fight against corruption in in 32 European countries and Azerbaijan. The headquarters of ESN International are in Brussels. education which brings together the results of The mission of ESN is to foster student mobility in Higher Education under the principle of all previous activities. SHS - Students Helping Students. Its vision is a society based upon mutual knowledge, respect, The conference was opened by trust as important guarantees of peace. Daliborka Uljarevi}, executive director of CCE ESM is part of the European Youth Forum, an international organisation established by nation- who said that CCE and CEMI have for the al youth councils and international non-governmental youth organisations in Europe. Like ESM, it first time broached the question of corruption endeavours to serve the interests of young people from all over Europe, promoting their active par- in one of the key pillars of the development ticipation in the construction of a common Europe. To that end, ESM assists students interested in of Montenegrin society - higher education. going abroad in choosing the destination that best meets their interests. She explained that the goal of the conference Study abroad can leave a lasting impression in the course of development of young people was to open up a debate on the policies and such programmes should therefore poses adequate quality. Student exchange is thus the key focus of interest of the Erasmus Student Network. Students are assisted in academic, social and related to establishment of sustainable mech- practical matters during their integration in the new environment. Local offices of ESM prepare a anisms for the prevention of corruption and range of programmes for exchange students to make their stay enjoyable. Film screenings, experi- effective fight against this phenomenon which ence of national cuisine, language courses, travels and parties are some of the prominent features in Montenegro seems to be already under- of these programmes which aim at fostering social integration of exchange students. mining some areas of the educational system. ESM also takes care of the "homecoming students". The students who are returning from Zlatko Vujovi}, the president of CEMI exchange are being supported in reintegration process in their home countries by keeping contact and member of the National Commission for with an international environment. the Fight against Corruption and Organised Students' interest in exchange programmes abroad is constantly on the rise, and organisations crime presented a whole package of meas- such as the Erasmus Student Network fulfil a very important role in supporting student mobility ures to be proposed to the Commission for a and ensuring quality of exchange programmes. revised Action plan in the domain of educa- More about the organisation and its activities can be found at www.esn.org tion. Prepared by: Jakov MILATOVI] Dagmar Schmidt, deputy ambassador of the Republic of Germany expressed her sup-

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P R O M O T I O N O F T H E F I R S T N O V E L O F D R M I L A N P O P O V I ] #Bsnpvs#!gps Npoufofhsp@

n 24 March 2009 in Podgorica OCentre for Civic Education (CCE) and daily Vijesti organised a book launch of "Oklop", the first novel of Milan Popovi}. The novel was published on the 19 March and caused quite some excite- ment, which is confirmed by the fact that Ivanovi}, Popovi}, Uljarevi}, Tadi}-MMijovi}, Brkovi} the entire first edition was sold out in a few hours, so the publisher had to print rent relevance of the novel owes its do not even deserve negative exposure. the second edition immediately, which is authenticity to reality itself which, in this He described his own novel as a collage- in the bookstores since 26 March. case, did a better job than could any based technique combining realistic com- The book was presented and dis- master of marketing. "The fear with which ponents with fictional aspects. cussed at the launch by writer Bal{a we buy and read this novel speaks more The novel predicts the overthrow of Brkovi}, journalist Milka Tadi}-MMijovi}, than any political analysis about the state the current government, not in elections publisher @eljko Ivanovi} and author of the Montenegrin society today". She but through a combination of circum- himself, and the discussion was moderat- added that "we have returned to where stances that force Primus, as Popovic} ed by Daliborka Uljarevi}. it all began - to those difficult times when refers to prime minister \ukanovi} in his Brkovi} called Popovi}'s novel the most citizens feared even their own novel, to leave to Russia with his family, most important and most interesting tes- shadow". while opposition takes over. Popovi} said timony of our times, and said that he Speaking about his first literary he was inspired to choose this outcome therefore does not expect the politicians achievement Popovi} said he regrets hav- on the basis of a combination of his own to understand it. ing to use daily political material for his intimate civic and political orientations - Tadi} Mijovi} explained that the cur- books, giving extra publicity to those who anarchosocialism and social democracy.

Npoufofhsp!.!b!mboe!pg!pqqpsuvojujft@ WWoommeenn rriigghhttss n the 23 March in Podgorica the discussion which was moderated by iinn MMoonntteenneeggrroo European Movement in Montenegro Mom~ilo Radulovi}, Secretary General of O n 26 March, in Podgorica, and European Fund for the Balkans the European Movement for Mon- NGO Anima from Kotor, Centre organised a panel discussion on the topic tenegro. O for Women and Peace Education, "Montenegro - a land of opportunities?" Results of the poll have shown that organised round table presenting with the goal of introducing to the wider most citizens believe that Montenegro is findings of the research "Assesment public a recent study by the Gallup really a land of opportunities and that of the Women Rights in Montenegro Balkan Monitor which offers insights into there are fewer and fewer people who - how are these seen by women and attitudes and perceptions of the citizens want to leave Montenegro. At the same men?" supported by Foundation of West Balkan countries on the issues time, Montenegrin citizens have been Open Society Institute, Represe- related to EU integration process. ranked as the most tolerant toward cor- ntative Office in Montenegro. Speakers at the panel were: ruption compared to every other country This is a comprehensive research Gordana \urovi}, deputy prime minister in the region. encompassing several fields. Special of Montenegro, Stevo Muk, president of Mancin emphasised that the poll focus of the research has been put on the managing board of Institute was conducted before the onslaught of attitudes of the citizens on women's Alternative, Zlatko Vujovi}, president of the economic crisis, and that the results participation in political life, taking into the board of managers of CEMI, Ne|eljko would probably be different now. the account the importance of this topic Rudovi}, journalist of the daily Vijesti, Other participants analysed the and parliamentary elections of 2009. Milo{ Be{i}, analyst for CEDEM, Robert results each from their own point of view On behalf of the Centre for Mancin, director of Gallup for Central and drew very different conclusions, but Civic Education Dragana Ota{evi}, and Eastern Europe. Hedvig Morvai all agreed on one point: all efforts should programme associate took part at the Horvat, executive director of the be directed to continue the positive trend event. European Fund for Balkans introduced of association with EU.

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F O R T H I S I S S U E W E R E C O M M E N D :

LEADERSHIP International Relations, History, Languages (and Slavic languages in particular), agricultural stud- DEVELOPMENT ies and cultural studies generally. The program aims also at developing language PROGRAMME skills. MIREES offers courses in Bosnian- In an effort to support the integration process in Croatian-Serbian, Bulgarian, basic and advanced Southeast Europe (SEE), the fourth SEE and the Russian, and Slovak (Hungarian and Lithuanian EU Leadership Development Programme sup- are also available in the 2nd year) as well as ports 30 young people from the countries of SEE Italian for foreigners as an additional option. as well as broader Europe. The curriculum stresses interdisciplinary studies The programme was initiated in 2006 by the in the economics of transition; politics and TRANSFUSE Association, Berlin, and the College international relations; media studies; and histo- of Europe, Bruges. Starting from 2008, the ry and cultural studies focused on Central, European Fund for the Balkans in Belgrade has MASTER OF ARTS IN Eastern Europe and the Balkans. Thirdly, the joined the initiative and generously supports the international dimension of the program is programme. INTERDISCIPLINARY enhanced through student mobility, by an inter- The Programme will consist of the following RESEARCH AND STUDIES national faculty composed of prominent schol- activities: ars of international repute, and a genuinely Two-week Summer Academy in Germany ON EASTERN EUROPE international student body. (Berlin/Schloss Neuhardenberg) For further information, contact the Tutor of the 29 August - 12 September 2009 (MIREES) course at [email protected] or The curriculum will include topics related to the This program was launched some years ago by the Faculty Student Office ([email protected], EU and the development of its relations with the University of Bologna, Italy; it is taught phone +39.0543.374145). SEE as well as wider issues of international and entirely in English (120 ECTS) and provides a economic relations. Practical training compo- joint diploma of the Universities of Bologna, FULLY FUNDED PHD nents focusing on negotiations, project manage- Ljubljana, Vytautas Magnus University at Kaunas, ment and presentation skills will provide partic- Corvinus University of Budapest and, from the STUDENTSHIPS - THE ipants with essential leadership qualities. next Academic Year 2009-2010, the State POLITICS OF ETHNIC Joint Projects in SEE University of St Petersburg. MIREES students will between November 2009 and March 2010 spend the first year in Forl? (one of the five DIVERSITY - INSTITUTE The participants will work together in small campuses of the University of Bologna), while in multicultural groups to develop and implement the second year a minimum of 5 months will be FOR SOCIAL CHANGE a joint activity in SEE. spent at Partner Universities and, in particular The Institute for Social Change has three fully Five-day Seminar in Belgium (Brussels/Bruges) cases, at MIREES Associated Universities in the funded PhD studentships commencing in 2009, April 2010 -- The Final Seminar offers visits to Balkans. A mobility grant is offered to all covering fees and an annual maintenance the EU institutions and NATO in Brussels and to enrolled students. stipend of 11,800 pounds. the Campus of the College of Europe in Bruges. More detailed information on the teaching plan The Institute for Social Change is an interdisci- The Programme will be led by an Academic and the Faculty, together with the application plinary research centre in the School of Social Dean, who will guide the participants through form, can be found at our web site: Sciences that offers an outstanding environment the different aspects of the Programme. The http://www.mirees.unibo.it/. The next deadline in which to study for a PhD. Sociological working language of the Programme is English. for applications is May 15th, 2009. research at the University of Manchester was The participants are expected to be available The program is especially recommended for ranked joint first in the 2008 UK Research during the overall period of the Programme (July prospective PhD students. Moreover, the pro- Assessment Exercise, producing the highest pro- 2009 - April 2010) and to attend each planned gram is designed to forge analysts, area experts, portion of 'world leading' research of any UK activity. consultants and mediators, to meet the needs of institution. PhD students will have the opportu- Only 30 selected applicants will be invited to research institutes, the EC, international agen- nity to apply for places on the prestigious participate. Their participation in the cies, voluntary organizations and NGO's, public Harvard-Manchester graduate summer pro- Programme will be sponsored by the European administration, managers, corporations and gramme, and may be able to spend time at Fund for the Balkans, an initiative by the Robert banks located in East-Central Europe and the Harvard in the course of their research project. Bosch Stiftung, the King Baudouin Foundation, Balkans or promoting investments in these You can apply online at the Campagnia di San Paolo and the ERSTE regions. www.manchester.ac.uk/postgraduate/howtoapply Foundation, hosted by the Network of European The MIREES program offers specialized, in- For information on how to apply contact Vicky Foundations. depth knowledge of the post-socialist countries Barnes ([email protected]). Apply online: www.seeyoungleaders.org in transition, the new EU member states, and The deadline for applications is 11th May 2009. Deadline for Application is Europe's Day: 9 May the new East-European neighbour countries to Website: 2009. students with a BA in Economics, Politics, http://www.manchester.ac.uk/socialchange/

EIC Bulletin -EEuropean pulse is electronic magazine established within EIC programme, with the support of the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung. The publisher is Centre for Civic Education. EIC Bulletin -EEuropean pulse is registered with the Ministry for Culture and Media as item No. 578 Editor in Chief: Vladan @ugi} Editorial Board: Vera [}epanovi}, Daliborka Uljarevi}, Ne|eljko Rudovi}, Dragan Stojovi}, Vladimir Vu~ini}, Petar \ukanovi} Tehnical Editor: Bla`o Crvenica; Language Editor: Milena Milunovi}; English Language Editor: Maja Mugo{a; Translation: Vera [}epanovi} Njego{eva 36 / I Tel / fax: + 381 81 / 665 - 112, 665 - 327 E-mmail: [email protected] EIC Bulletin -EEuropean pulse can be downloaded at the www.cgo-cce.org

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