OMM Newsroom
AnewZ reports that Montenegro has moved a step closer to becoming the European Union’s next member. Brussels has signalled that the Balkan country could join the bloc by 2028, potentially ending a period of more than a decade without EU enlargement.
In its latest assessment of candidate countries, the European Commission said Montenegro had made significant progress in aligning its legislation, institutions and governance standards with EU requirements. On these measures, Montenegro is ahead of other candidates in the accession race.
If reforms continue as planned and EU member states agree, accession negotiations could be completed next year. This could pave the way for an official membership treaty to be signed before the end of the decade.
The Adriatic country, with a population of about 630,000, aims to join the EU in 2028. To meet that target, Montenegro must conclude negotiations in several policy areas and secure ratification from all 27 current member states.
While welcoming the reform efforts, the Commission warned against losing momentum. Officials stressed the need to maintain political unity on EU membership, carry out the remaining reforms and prevent domestic divisions from obstructing progress.
EU enlargement back on the agenda
The European Union’s enlargement drive is gaining momentum again after years of stagnation. Geopolitical tensions have pushed the issue higher on Brussels’ agenda.
Russia’s war against Ukraine, regional security concerns and growing competition for influence in the Western Balkans have made enlargement an increasingly urgent priority for the EU.
EU leaders increasingly view enlargement as a way to strengthen political and economic ties with neighbouring countries while reinforcing stability in Europe.
Montenegro is considered the candidate closest to membership. Albania, Ukraine and Moldova are also advancing toward accession.
Albania needs further reforms
The European Commission also noted Albania’s progress but said further reforms were needed to conclude its accession negotiations.
Brussels called for closer cooperation among political parties, parliament and civil society to ensure reforms continue despite political tensions.
The assessment was released as Albania was seeing some of its largest public demonstrations since its transition to democracy.
EU officials stressed that progress in governance, judicial reform and institutional accountability would be crucial for Albania to meet its goal of concluding accession negotiations by the end of 2027.
If Montenegro joins the EU, it will become the bloc’s 28th member state. This would mark the EU’s first enlargement since Croatia joined in 2013.
The move could also send a strong message to Western Balkan countries that EU membership is within reach if they are prepared to undertake extensive political, legal and economic reforms.
As Montenegro’s accession process approaches a decisive stage, attention is focused on whether it can maintain the pace of reforms and secure the support needed to turn years of negotiations into membership.
