Montenegro has marked another step forward on its path to the European Union, closing two more negotiating chapters at the Intergovernmental Conference in Brussels. With this development, the number of closed chapters reaches 23, while 10 remain open. The chapters closed are Chapter 1, on the free movement of goods, and Chapter 12, which covers food safety, veterinary and phytosanitary policies. Prime Minister Milojko Spajić described this as an important step toward the final phase of European integration. “Today we sent a message that Montenegro is ready for the final phase of European integration”, he said.
Podgorica aims to complete the negotiations by December 2026, while the signing of the Accession Treaty is envisaged for June 2027. Five more chapters are expected to be closed in November, while in December the focus will be on Chapters 23 and 24, which relate to judiciary and fundamental rights, and justice, freedom and security, including the fight against corruption. Irish Minister for European Affairs Thomas Byrne stressed that progress toward membership depends on the continuation of reforms.
“We are committed to Montenegro closing all chapters by the end of the year. But reforms must continue, especially on the rule of law, the independence of institutions and the fight against organised crime”, he said. After the agreement is signed, it must be ratified by all 27 EU member states and by Montenegro. However, Brussels warns that the deadlines are indicative and that any backsliding on reforms could delay the accession process.
