European Union Enlargement Commissioner Stefan Fuele was quoted by the Montenegrin media as saying that the outgoing PM Djukanovic, had successfully steered his country towards the EU before and after it gained independence.
Montenegrin Prime Minister Djukanovic tendered his resignation in Podgorica on Tuesday. "I would like to inform you that I have decided to resign," Djukanovic told a news conference. He has been in power in Montenegro since 1991, either as prime minister or president.
Noting that the European Commission does not interfere into candidate countries' internal affairs, Fuele described Djukanovic as an important and reliable partner of the EU in difficult times.
The European Commission will cooperate with the new premier and his cabinet in order to support Montenegro to achieve transformation necessary for the next degree of the European integration, according to a statement issued by Fuele's office.
Montenegrin President Filip Vujanovic said Djukanovic had made a permanent contribution to peace, stability and development of the country.
Parliament Speaker Ranko Krivokapic said that Djukanovic's decision to resign was a personal act which should not be commented on.
Serbian President Boris Tadic said that he was in permanent contact with the Montenegrin leadership and that he was sure that Djukanovic's resignation would not negatively affect the relations between the two countries.
The leader of the Serbian Liberal Democratic Party, Cedomir Jovanovic, said Djukanovic had played a big role in the europeisation of Montenegro, in defusion of the situation and in establishing the firm regional cooperation.