Montenegro has delivered its final negotiating positions for all 12 outstanding EU accession chapters, with the government aiming to conclude membership negotiations before the end of 2026 and achieve accession in 2028. European Affairs Minister Maida Gorčević said the submissions fulfilled a government commitment and would allow the European Commission and EU member states to assess the remaining chapters for possible closure.
Montenegro has provisionally closed 21 of its 33 negotiating chapters, placing it among the most advanced EU membership candidates in the Western Balkans.
Final Assessment of Outstanding Chapters
The remaining negotiating areas include Chapter 23, covering judiciary and fundamental rights, and Chapter 24, which concerns justice, freedom and security.
Gorčević said numerous chapters entered the final procedural stage in September, while the remaining negotiating positions were submitted during the final week of October. The government expects another intergovernmental conference with EU representatives, although neither its precise date nor the number of chapters that could be closed has been determined.
All EU member states must agree to the closure of each negotiating chapter. The timetable therefore depends on decisions taken in Brussels and individual national capitals. The process also involves bilateral considerations, including unresolved issues between Montenegro and neighbouring Croatia.
Accession Process and Business Environment
Completing the negotiations would mark a significant stage in Montenegro’s alignment with the EU single market. The country must continue bringing its institutions and legislation into line with European requirements in areas including competition, public procurement, environmental protection, financial regulation, energy markets and commercial standards.
Regulatory alignment is relevant to investor confidence, particularly in energy, infrastructure, manufacturing and tourism, where projects often require long-term capital commitments.
It also affects companies seeking to expand exports and participate more closely in European supply chains. Submitting the final negotiating positions does not mean that the outstanding chapters have been closed or that accession is guaranteed within the government’s proposed timeframe.
Accession Treaty Targeted for 2027
Gorčević said preparations for the accession treaty were progressing alongside the negotiations, with the government seeking to establish conditions for signing the agreement in 2027.
The treaty will determine the membership date, transitional arrangements and any agreed exemptions or safeguard measures. Montenegro has set 2028 as its target for joining the EU, subject to the completion of negotiations and ratification of the accession treaty.
The next significant procedural step is the assessment of the submitted positions by the European Commission and member states, followed by decisions on whether additional chapters can be provisionally closed before the end of December.
