UPDATE: Montenegro is poised to close five chapters in its negotiations with the European Union (EU) during a crucial intergovernmental conference in Brussels today. This significant step includes chapters on business establishment rights, capital movement, economic law, agriculture, and fisheries.
Leading the Montenegrin delegation is Prime Minister Milojko Spajić, joined by Deputy Prime Ministers Ervin Ibrahimović and Nik Đeljošaj, along with key ministers including Maida Gorčević (European Affairs), Novica Vuković (Finance), and Vladimir Joković (Agriculture). With these closures, Montenegro will advance its goal of closing all remaining chapters by the end of next year.
The urgency of today’s developments cannot be overstated. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz recently emphasized that the EU is ready to take the next step in Montenegro’s accession process, potentially leading to the beginning of membership negotiations. He stated, “Montenegro has likely made the most progress among candidates, and we can now move to the next stage.”
As of today, Montenegro has opened all 33 chapters in the accession process and has temporarily closed seven. Following this conference, Montenegro will enter what is expected to be a decisive year with 12 closed chapters under its belt.
Montenegro has held candidate status since December 2010, and officially began negotiations in June 2012. The progress made today represents not just a milestone for the Montenegrin government but also a beacon of hope for its citizens, who are eager for further integration into the European community.
With these developments, all eyes will be on the outcomes of today’s conference and the implications for Montenegro’s future in the EU. Stay tuned for further updates as this story unfolds.
