The closure of Chapters 3, 4 and 6 means simpler company registration procedures, the removal of unnecessary administrative barriers, greater competition and more opportunities for Montenegrin businesses to offer their services across the European Union (EU), Minister of European Affairs Maida Gorčević said.
“This means clearer rules, less risk, a more stable financial system and greater predictability for investors. The process brings harmonized and modern business regulations and fair conditions for everyone,” Gorčević stated at the opening of a panel discussion at the Chamber of Commerce of Montenegro (PKCG).
The panel debate, titled Opportunities. Development. Integration: Montenegrin Economy Before the New Chapters, was organized by the Ministry of European Affairs in cooperation with PKCG, the ministries of economic development and finance, and supported by the EU Delegation through the EU4ME project. It was held ahead of the anticipated closing of Chapter 3 – Right of Establishment and Freedom to Provide Services, Chapter 4 – Free Movement of Capital, and Chapter 6 – Company Law.
Gorčević said these chapters represent a set of very practical reforms that lead to easier, faster and safer business operations.
“EU membership will not solve all our problems. Alignment with EU standards requires expertise, digitalization and, at times, changes to our business culture,” she noted.
However, she emphasized that these efforts are worthwhile because companies that align their operations with European standards become more competitive, not only in the domestic market but also in the EU market of over 450 million people.
“By closing these chapters, Montenegro is showing that it is not only harmonizing legislation but building an economy compatible with the European one—ready for equal participation in the EU’s single market,” Gorčević said.
PKCG President Nina Drakić stated that the closing of Chapters 3, 4 and 6 is not merely the result of long and complex negotiations but proof that Montenegro is making progress in areas crucial for economic development, investment security and strengthening the competitiveness of the economy.
“By closing these chapters, the EU clearly confirms that Montenegro is getting closer to the standards, rules and best practices of the single European market. These are not just technical requirements—they directly affect the daily operations of our companies,” Drakić said.
According to her, the process opens the potential for Montenegrin companies to provide services across the EU under simpler procedures.
“Closing these chapters is an important achievement, but it also comes with a new obligation—to consistently and continuously implement the adopted standards and reforms so that harmonized regulations come to life in practice,” Drakić added.
She stressed that Montenegro is sending a clear and strong message—it is ready, capable and willing to be part of the European economic space.
“It is up to us to use this positive momentum and jointly create a business environment in which domestic companies and foreign investors operate confidently, in stable conditions, while generating value recognized both at home and across the European market,” Drakić emphasized.
Renata Milutinović, head of the negotiating working group for Chapter 6 from the Ministry of Economic Development, said that Chapters 3 and 6 most directly influence the business climate, entrepreneur mobility, regulatory quality and the level of protection for all market participants.
“Chapter 3 opens access for Montenegrin companies to the EU single market, enabling entrepreneurs to provide services in 27 member states under the same conditions as domestic service providers,” Milutinović explained.
She noted that Montenegro has met all closing benchmarks in Chapter 6 and that the Parliament adopted a complete set of legislative solutions.
“All these reforms do more than align the legal framework with the EU—they create conditions in which investors operate under clearer rules, with less legal uncertainty and greater predictability in business planning,” Milutinović added.
This, she said, creates space for more investment, more projects and a more stable business environment.
“Chapters 3 and 6 share a common mission—to make Montenegro’s economy more open and resilient, with clear and modern rules aligned with the best European practices,” Milutinović stated.
Milica Adžić, State Secretary at the Ministry of Finance, noted that the free movement of capital is one of the four pillars of the EU’s single market, while company law is key to a stable, predictable and transparent business environment.
“Chapters 4 and 6 are not merely administrative tasks. They open new opportunities for investment, increased competitiveness and deeper integration of Montenegro into the European economic system,” Adžić concluded.
