URGENT UPDATE: Montenegro is on the brink of a significant milestone as it prepares to close five chapters in its ongoing negotiations with the European Union (EU) today. This pivotal meeting is taking place at a Intergovernmental Conference in Brussels where Montenegro’s Prime Minister Milojko Spajić leads the delegation.
The chapters to be finalized include critical areas such as Chapter 3 (Right of Establishment and Freedom to Provide Services), Chapter 4 (Free Movement of Capital), Chapter 6 (Economic Law), Chapter 11 (Agriculture and Rural Development), and Chapter 13 (Fisheries). This development is a crucial step for Montenegro as it seeks to strengthen its ties with the EU and move closer to full membership.
Joining Prime Minister Spajić are key officials, including Deputy Prime Ministers Ervin Ibrahimović and Nik Đeljošaj, Minister for European Affairs Maida Gorčević, Minister of Finance Novica Vuković, and Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management Vladimir Joković.
Montenegro has already opened all 33 negotiation chapters and has temporarily closed seven. The government’s goal is to close all remaining chapters by the end of next year, a timeline that is now more tangible with today’s developments.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz recently indicated that the EU is ready to advance to the next stage in the membership negotiation process with Montenegro. In his statements, he emphasized, “With Montenegro, which has likely advanced the most among candidates, we can now move to the next step and soon begin work on the accession agreement.” He noted that closer ties would enhance collaborative efforts within Europe, particularly in addressing illegal migration.
Following today’s conference, Montenegro is set to enter what could be a decisive year with 12 closed chapters, a pivotal point that could shape the nation’s future within the EU.
Since becoming a candidate for EU membership in December 2010 and officially starting negotiations in June 2012, Montenegro has made significant strides. The outcome of today’s discussions could drastically accelerate its journey towards full EU membership, impacting both the country’s political landscape and its economic prospects.
As this story unfolds, keep an eye on the developments from this critical conference in Brussels. The decisions made today could resonate throughout the region and beyond, influencing the future of not just Montenegro, but also EU relations with other candidate countries.
Stay tuned for more updates as they become available.
