Montenegro aims to complete EU accession negotiations by 2026, says EU Commissioner

Published on 14. January 2025., News

Montenegro has set an ambitious goal to complete its European Union (EU) accession negotiations by 2026, and will need to work decisively on the remaining chapters that are still open, said EU Commissioner for Enlargement, Olivér Várhelyi, during a speech before the European Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee.

She noted that Montenegro had closed three chapters just before Christmas and that further progress is expected in the first three months of this year.

Várhelyi emphasized that Montenegro’s goal to finish negotiations by 2026 is achievable but will require decisive action on the remaining open chapters. She added that this could be done with political consensus to quickly implement the proposed reforms and legislative initiatives from the European Reform Agenda.

Várhelyi will visit Montenegro for an official trip in the coming days.

“Unity will be at the heart of my message during my visit to Podgorica,” she said.

She also highlighted that during her visit, she plans to travel outside the capital to increase the visibility of EU-funded projects and meet with representatives of civil society and local authorities.

As reported by RTCG, Várhelyi announced that she would also visit Cetinje as part of her stay in Montenegro.

“I will speak in the Montenegrin Parliament, visit successful EU projects, and also go to Cetinje to pay tribute to the victims,” said Várhelyi.

She emphasized that EU accession requires the involvement of the entire society.

“The government and parliament cannot do this alone; it must be a national project. Everyone must be involved— the government, opposition, civil society, every region, and every citizen,” she concluded.