Greece is reportedly exploring ways to accelerate Montenegro’s accession process to the European Union during its upcoming Presidency of the Council of the EU in the second half of 2027, as part of a broader strategic focus on the Western Balkans.
According to sources, the initiative reflects Athens’ ambition to play a leading role in advancing EU enlargement policy, with a particular emphasis on bringing at least one Western Balkan country closer to full membership.
The Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis is scheduled to visit Podgorica on Friday, where he is expected to meet with Montenegro’s Foreign Minister Ervin Ibrahimović and Prime Minister Milojko Spajić to discuss Montenegro’s EU integration path.
Greece is set to assume the rotating Presidency of the Council of the EU in July 2027. Government sources indicate that one of Athens’ key objectives will be to support tangible progress in enlargement policy, potentially facilitating the accession of at least one candidate country from the region.
Officials in Athens are reportedly aiming to build on what they see as Greece’s historical role in EU enlargement, recalling its influence during the 2003 EU Presidency, which contributed to preparations for the major 2004 enlargement of the Union.
Experts cited in European policy discussions suggest that Greece views the current geopolitical climate as an opportunity to revive its legacy as a driver of EU expansion. George Tzogopoulos of the Hellenic Foundation for European and Foreign Policy (ELIAMEP) noted that Athens considers the 2027 Presidency a chance to reinvigorate enlargement momentum.
Montenegro, which opened EU accession negotiations in 2012, is widely regarded within EU circles as one of the most advanced candidates in the Western Balkans. Greek officials reportedly argue that compared to other aspirants, Montenegro represents a more feasible case for near-term membership.
They also highlight the country’s relatively small population—around 600,000 residents—as a factor that could result in lower economic and administrative integration costs for the European Union.
Podgorica has set an ambitious target known as the “28 by 2028” initiative, aiming to become the 28th EU member state by 2028. Montenegro’s Minister for European Affairs, Maida Gorčević, recently stated in an interview that the country should not face prolonged delays in its accession process.
Despite this momentum, diplomatic sources indicate that EU member states remain divided over the pace of enlargement. Some governments reportedly raise procedural and methodological concerns, which continue to slow down decision-making on accession timelines.
A European diplomat cited in discussions with Euractiv said that while there is broad agreement that the Western Balkans belong in the EU, practical negotiations often face resistance when they move from principle to implementation.
As Greece prepares for its 2027 Presidency, the coming months are expected to clarify whether EU enlargement can shift from a long-term political goal into a concrete accession breakthrough for Montenegro.