Montenegro has taken a significant step toward European Union membership after EU member states agreed to begin drafting an accession treaty, marking a crucial milestone in the country’s long-running integration process.
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| Marta Kos and Milojko Spajić shaking hands, April, 2026 |
Speaking at a Joint Consultative Committee (JCC) meeting in Podgorica, Minister for European Affairs Maida Gorcevic emphasized that drafting the treaty represents the “final lap of a fourteen-year marathon” toward EU membership. She noted that alongside the closure of negotiation chapters, this development marks the last phase of talks, with Montenegro targeting accession by 2028.
The JCC, a platform connecting EU institutions with Montenegrin civil society, continues to play an important role in the process. Gorcevic highlighted the contribution of civil society through participation in working groups, underlining its importance in ensuring transparency and inclusiveness during negotiations.
EU officials also stressed urgency. Deputy Head of the EU Delegation to Montenegro, Riccardo Serri, described the moment as a “historic opportunity” for the country but warned that progress now depends on the implementation of concrete reforms in the coming months. He called for strong cooperation between state institutions and civil society to sustain momentum.
Montenegro, alongside Albania, has been among the leading candidates for EU membership since Croatia joined the bloc in 2013. Accession negotiations have been ongoing for around 14 years, with Podgorica having completed 14 out of 35 negotiation chapters. Despite remaining challenges, European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos stated that Montenegro’s place within the EU “is now taking shape,” while also emphasizing the importance of strengthening safeguards in future accession treaties to protect rule of law and fundamental values.