Montenegro takes new step towards EU membership

(BRUSSELS) - The European Commission on Wednesday called for the opening of European Union accession talks with Montenegro, further opening the door to EU membership for the Balkans nation.

The EU's enlargement commissioner Stefan Fuele commended Montenegro for progress in fighting corruption and organised crime and said he would recommend EU leaders agree to open accession talks.

Montenegro has made "good progress" in working to meet criteria for eventual membership, he said.

But continued efforts were needed both in fighting crime and curruption and in ensuring its economy met European standards.

Fuele made the recommendation in his yearly report on the progress made by candidates bidding for entry into the 27-nation club.

Enlargement Strategy and Progress Reports 2011