EU Recommends Closing Final Negotiation Chapters With Montenegro

The European Commission announced that the European Union could conclude accession negotiations with Montenegro by the end of 2026, with a potential accession treaty signing as early as June 2027. This development marks the first time since Croatia closed negotiations in 2011 that the EU is positioned to finalize terms with a candidate country.

EU Ambassador to Montenegro Johann Sattler recommended that member states close Chapters 23 and 24, which focus on the rule of law. Sattler described Montenegro's progress as exceptional, noting that the closure of these specific chapters would mark the final stage of the accession path. The Commission credited sustained reform efforts for this progress but emphasized the necessity of continued cross-party support.

Montenegro's ambassador to the EU, Petar Marković, characterized the nation as a frontrunner and stated that joining the bloc by the end of 2028 is a realistic goal. However, Marković identified two remaining obstacles: the need to amend the national constitution and the resolution of disputes with Croatia regarding conflicts from the 1990s.

While Montenegro is currently the closest candidate to membership, the EU also identifies Albania, Ukraine, and Moldova as frontrunners. The Commission noted that Albania must continue key reforms and manage significant civil unrest to meet its own target of closing negotiations by the end of 2027.