(ANSA) - BRUXELLES - Montenegro opened two new negotiating chapters on its way towards the accession to the European Union in Brussels. The opening of chapter two (Freedom of movement for workers) and chapter three (Right of establishment and freedom to provide services) was announced by Sven Mikser, Foreign Minister of Estonia, the country that holds the EU presidency, at the end of the EU-Montenegro intergovernmental conference.

Montenegro has opened 30 chapters out of the 35, three of which have already been provisionally closed.

The opening of these two new chapters is of "particular symbolic value as they constitute 50% of the so-called four freedoms, Mikser said. These two chapters, "have political and practical importance", the EU Commissioner for Enlargement, Johannes Hahn, pointed out. Podgorica must now use "the momentum" in the negotiations, in particular "for the chapter on the rule of law", where "tangible progress" is needed.

Hahn called on the Montenegrin government to work with the opposition and stressed that the implementation of all recommendations on the electoral process remains a "priority" for Brussels.

"Montenegro has made significant reforms. Today's success is another confirmation that the accession is our common goal", highlighted the Minister of European Affairs of Montenegro, Andrija Pejovic, who led the delegation to Brussels. (ANSA).