By Fatma Younis
The European Union could conclude accession negotiations with Montenegro by the end of 2026, paving the way for the small Balkan nation to become the bloc's 28th member state in 2028.
Negotiations near completion
The European Commission said in its annual enlargement report that Montenegro is the candidate country closest to membership. For the first time since Croatia closed negotiations in 2011, the EU is positioned to finalize talks with another candidate. The Commission stated that negotiations could realistically be closed by the end of 2026, with an accession treaty potentially signed by June 2027.
Montenegro's path to membership
Montenegro, with a population of 630,000, aims to join the EU in 2028. Membership requires ratification by all 27 current member states. The Commission emphasized that Montenegro must maintain focus on completing preparations, sustaining reforms, and ensuring cross-party support for its EU path.
President expresses optimism
President Jakov Milatovic said earlier this year that he is confident Montenegro will meet its 2028 target. "We can achieve it. I am optimistic about it," he stated from his office in the capital, Podgorica.
Other candidate countries
The EU also identified Albania, Ukraine, and Moldova as frontrunners for membership. Western Balkan nations Bosnia-Herzegovina, North Macedonia, Serbia, and Kosovo are at various stages of the process. The Commission urged Albania to adopt key reforms and foster cross-party cooperation to meet its goal of closing negotiations by the end of 2027.
