UPDATE: Montenegro is poised to close five negotiation chapters in its bid to join the European Union, according to statements made by Deputy Speaker Boris Pejović earlier today. This announcement follows a significant shift from France, which has reconsidered its position on the contentious chapters 11 and 13.
Pejović emphasized that there is no leniency in the EU membership process for Montenegro, asserting that the focus remains solely on tangible results rather than political circumstances. He stated, “The uncertainty experienced over the past 24 hours illustrates that there is no room for leniency regarding Montenegro’s full EU membership, even amidst supposedly favorable geopolitical contexts.”
The Deputy Speaker highlighted that the EU evaluates candidate countries based on concrete achievements, not merely diplomatic gestures. As a result, the ongoing ambiguity concerning whether three or five negotiation chapters would be closed has unveiled the true positions of political actors concerning Montenegro’s European integration.
Pejović expressed optimism, predicting that the current government will successfully close a total of nine negotiation chapters by the end of this year. This achievement would represent a significant milestone, as it accounts for the majority of the 12 chapters that have been closed since the commencement of Montenegro’s EU negotiation process.
This latest development is critical for Montenegro’s future within the EU framework, as it underscores the importance of measurable progress over political maneuvering. Observers are now keenly watching how this situation unfolds, particularly in light of the EU’s stringent requirements for accession.
As Montenegro navigates this complex landscape, the focus will remain on how effectively the country can meet the EU’s demands and what this means for its citizens who aspire for full membership. The current political climate is tense, and the closing of these chapters could have profound implications for the nation’s future.
Stay tuned for further updates on Montenegro’s EU accession process as this story develops.
