October 15 (SeeNews) - Montenegro signed on Monday a Stabilisation and Association Agreement (SAA) with the European Union, which opens the way for the tiny Adriatic republic to apply for membership in the 27-member bloc.
"The signature of the SAA with Montenegro is an important milestone in the relations between Montenegro and the European Union," EU Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn said at the signing ceremony in Luxembourg.
This agreement will bring concrete trade and economic benefits to the country, Rehn added.
Montenegro's European prospects improved last year when the country decided in a referendum to break its loose state union with Serbia and restore its independence. The state union of Serbia and Montenegro replaced rump Yugoslavia in 2001.
Montenegro is the third among ex-Yugoslav states after Croatia and Macedonia that signs the SAA.
Neighbouring Serbia is expected to sign the agreement later on Monday.