The Thessaloniki European Council of 19 and 20 June 2003 endorsed the introduction of the European Partnerships as a means to support the European perspective of the western Balkan countries.

Regulation (EC) No 533/2004 provides that the Council is to decide on the principles, priorities and conditions to be contained in the European Partnerships, as well as any subsequent adjustments.

Regulation (EC) No 533/2004 states that the follow-up to the European Partnerships is ensured through the mechanisms established under the stabilisation and association process, notably by the annual progress reports.

Montenegro proclaimed its independence on 3 June 2006 following a referendum which was held on 21 May 2006.

At the General Affairs and External Relations Council of 12 June 2006, the European Union and its Member States decided that they will develop their further relations with the Republic of Montenegro as a sovereign, independent State.

Therefore, it is appropriate to establish a new European Partnership with Montenegro on the basis of the part referring to Montenegro of the European Partnership with Serbia and Montenegro adopted on January 2006, updated in view of the findings of the 2006 progress report, and supplemented with priorities addressing the challenges that Montenegro faces as an independent state.

In order to prepare for further integration with the European Union, the competent authorities of Montenegro should develop a plan with a timetable and specific measures to address the priorities of this European Partnership,