Montenegro Enters Final Phase of EU Accession Process

Montenegro has advanced to the final stage of its European Union accession process, marking a significant milestone in its decade-long journey toward membership. EU officials have commenced work on the accession treaty following the approval of an ad-hoc working group by EU ambassadors. This group, comprising representatives from member states, will finalize the legal details necessary for Montenegro's entry into the bloc. The development is viewed as a strong signal to other enlargement partners in the Western Balkans that EU membership remains attainable. Currently, Montenegro has provisionally closed 14 of the 33 required negotiation chapters, with the rule of law identified as the most challenging remaining hurdle. Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos has urged continued reforms in this area. The country, which became a candidate in 2010 and opened negotiations in 2012, aims to join by 2028 under its "28 by 2028" slogan. Concurrently, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte visited Podgorica to discuss regional stability and credible NATO membership with President Jakov Milatovic, reinforcing the country's strategic alignment with Western institutions during this critical diplomatic phase.