Croatian Social Democrat member of the European Parliament Tonino Picula has been appointed the European Parliament's rapporteur on Montenegro, which was awarded the status of EU candidate in 2010 and started entry negotiations in June 2012, Picula's office said on Thursday.

“Of all candidate countries, Montenegro has made the most progress in talks with the EU and as the EP’s rapporteur on Montenegro, I will work to strengthen the country’s ties with the EU so that it can join as soon as possible. Croatia is strategically interested in bordering with EU member countries. Our experience and know-how, which we obtained as the last country to join the EU, should be shared with countries in the region and I believe that we will have a good partner in Podgorica on Montenegro’s journey to the EU,” Picula said.