Montenegro has made significant progress in its bid for European Union membership, successfully closing five negotiation chapters during a recent intergovernmental conference. This achievement positions the country with one-third of its chapters now closed as it prepares to enter 2024. Many observers see 2026 as a pivotal year for Montenegro’s EU accession.
In an interview with the portal European Western Balkans, Montenegro’s Minister of European Affairs, Maida Gorčević, outlined the government’s ambition to close all negotiation chapters by the end of 2026. She emphasized the need for continuous institutional development and reforms that yield tangible benefits for citizens, asserting that Montenegro is committed to following a European path in a stable and constructive manner.
According to Gorčević, the EU accession negotiations are both a technical and political process rooted in trust, dialogue, and an assessment of the candidate state’s ability to implement reforms sustainably. She noted that diplomatic dialogue with EU member states is an integral part of the negotiation dynamics.
“After the closure of each negotiation chapter, including fisheries and agriculture, regular monitoring of the implementation of commitments follows. This is standard practice within the EU framework,” Gorčević explained. She clarified that Montenegro has not received any additional or special requirements regarding chapters 11 and 13; instead, these are part of the established negotiation process.
During the interview, Gorčević discussed the agreement reached with France through institutional dialogues that highlighted concrete reform steps and results achieved by Montenegro. “The closure of chapters confirms that criteria have been met and that there is trust in Montenegro’s capacity to carry out obligations consistently,” she said.
Gorčević stated that Montenegro has fully met technical criteria in Chapter 31, which deals with external, security, and defense policy, aligning its foreign policy with the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP).
“Evaluations should be based on a merit-based approach, focusing on clearly defined criteria and tangible results,” she stressed. She acknowledged recent advancements in dialogue with Croatia, citing political contacts and open discussions on issues of mutual interest, which demonstrate a commitment to resolving matters in a European spirit.
The minister expressed optimism about Montenegro’s EU journey, highlighting that 2024 was seen as a successful year in the history of the country’s European integration, but she asserted that 2025 surpassed it.
“Since June last year, this government has unblocked the negotiation process and closed nine chapters, clearly demonstrating that our efforts yield concrete results,” Gorčević noted. With six chapters closed this year and prospects for starting the Accession Agreement, she rated 2025 as an outstanding year.
This success, according to the minister, is a result of relentless effort from the government, parliament, and relevant institutions, with a clear goal of EU membership by 2028. In addition to closing chapters, Montenegro has shown success in implementing the EU Growth Plan for the Western Balkans and has become the first member of the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA), further enhancing its integration into European financial and institutional mechanisms.
Gorčević also highlighted that Montenegro secured a grant of €150 million from the EU for the construction of a second section of a highway, which she described as a “tangible result that citizens can see and feel.”
Looking ahead, Gorčević stated that the initiation of the Accession Agreement process is a logical step following the closure of over one-third of negotiation chapters. She expects that the majority of chapters could be closed by the end of 2026, reinforcing the government’s commitment to continuous reform efforts.
Support from Germany is particularly significant in this process, as it confirms that key partners recognize Montenegro’s achievements and dedication. Gorčević stressed the importance of a merit-based approach in the accession process, emphasizing that membership relies on results and merit.
While acknowledging skepticism from some member states regarding expansion, Gorčević affirmed the government’s ongoing diplomatic activities to build partnerships with member states and EU institutions. She characterized the recent situation with France as a sobering reminder that, in addition to reform results, political communication must be intensified.
“Our objective is to show member states the benefits that Montenegro’s membership would bring to the EU and all candidate countries, demonstrating that the enlargement policy is alive and that the EU values concrete results,” she said.
Gorčević aims to present Montenegro as a success story for Europe, focusing on consistent communication of the country’s achievements on its European path—reforms, institutional strengthening, and tangible results that indicate that Montenegro’s EU membership is in the interest of the entire European Union.
The minister acknowledged that the European integration process entails profound societal transformation shaped by reforms. Among these, the most complex concerns relate to the rule of law, judicial independence, and the fight against corruption and organized crime. The new methodology emphasizes these chapters as foundational, reflecting the critical nature of progress in these areas for candidate countries’ political compatibility with mature democracies.
She identified that the greatest challenge lies not only in implementing technical reforms but also in delivering concrete results, such as investigations and judgments, while strengthening societal resilience against anomalies like corruption and crime. This requires a coordinated effort from all decision-makers and active participation from the civil sector.
Despite the turbulent political situation noted in some assessments, Gorčević believes that consensus exists within Montenegro’s parliament regarding the European integration process. She described the political climate as relatively calm and stable, in comparison to developed democracies in Europe.
“The parliament is a key partner in fulfilling obligations under the European agenda, and the government collaborates effectively with it. I expect all institutions, whose contributions are essential in this crucial year of our European path, to remain committed to the strategic goal of Montenegro’s EU membership,” she concluded.
