Brussels – And that makes two. Montenegro’s 2026 continues with yet another negotiating chapter provisionally closed, bringing the Balkan country a little closer to the prospect of becoming a new member of the European Union.
“Today’s step represents much more than networks themselves – Montenegro is becoming increasingly integrated into the fabric of the European Union,” said Milojko Spajić following the provisional closure of Chapter 21 (Trans-European Networks) at the 26th Accession Conference with Montenegro on 17 March. Transport, energy and telecommunications infrastructure mean “greater connection between people, economies, opportunities and ideas,” he added, noting that EU standards are being increasingly met by the frontrunner candidate.
In total, 14 negotiating chapters have been closed so far, representing slightly less than half of the 33 chapters in the accession process. In 2025, a total of six chapters was provisionally closed, while the work on the other 19 – all currently under revision – should be finalised by the end of 2026 to meet the goal of becoming the 28th member state by 2028.
Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos confirmed the “remarkable” result, made possible by the government in Podgorica “doing the work it has committed to.” However, she cautioned that “many laws still need to be passed” and now is the time to “maintain the pace of reforms and ensure their implementation.”
The work ahead
Chapters 23 (Judiciary and Fundamental Rights), and 24 (Justice, Freedom and Security), both under review within the Cluster 1 – ‘Fundamentals’, are the most sensitive elements. Without a substantial acceleration of reforms, closing all chapters “by the end of 2026” – as reiterated by Prime Minister Spajić – will remain out of reach.
As for what is still missing on the accession path, Commissioner Kos called for a “strong focus” on the rule of law, including prioritising pending institutional appointments and improving legislative alignment—particularly to ensure “an independent, professional and accountable judiciary,” as well as full alignment with the EU’s visa policy. “With this strong political will, I am sure Montenegro will maintain this great pace,” she added.
In parallel, as the reform process must continue unabated, the Ad Hoc Working Party tasked with drafting the Accession Treaty with Montenegro should be established “as soon as possible,” the Deputy Minister for European Affairs of Cyprus, Marilena Raouna, confirmed. The Cyprus Presidency has been working on this “key priority” since the start of the year and she also emphasised that just last week, the 27 EU ambassadors held “a dedicated discussion on the mandate” of the Working Party, which remains “under discussion.”
The state of EU-Montenegro relations
Montenegro submitted its application for EU membership in 2008. Candidate status was granted in June 2010, and accession negotiations began in 2012. To date, all 33 screened negotiating chapters have been opened, and 14 have been provisionally closed.
Moreover, in June 2024, Podgorica received a positive Interim Benchmark Assessment Report (IBAR), indicating that it has met the interim benchmarks in Chapter 23 (Judiciary and Fundamental Rights) and Chapter 24 (Justice, Freedom and Security) – a prerequisite for closing chapters deemed ready for provisional closure. For these reasons, Montenegro is considered the most advanced country in the EU enlargement process, with the aim of closing all chapters by the end of 2026.
