By Salma El-Sakka
The European Union could conclude accession negotiations with Montenegro by the end of 2026, according to the European Commission's annual enlargement report.
Negotiations nearing completion
The Commission said Montenegro is the candidate country closest to membership and that negotiations could realistically close by the end of 2026, with an accession treaty possibly signed by June 2027. Montenegro, with a population of 630,000, aims to join the bloc in 2028.
Reforms and cross-party support needed
The Commission emphasized that Montenegro must maintain focus on completing preparations, sustaining adopted reforms, and ensuring continuous cross-party support for its EU path. All 27 current EU member states must ratify any accession treaty.
President expresses optimism
President Jakov Milatovic said earlier this year he is confident Montenegro can achieve its 2028 target. "We can achieve it. I am optimistic about it," he said from the capital, Podgorica.
Other candidates in the region
The EU also considers Albania, Ukraine, and Moldova as frontrunners for membership. The Commission urged Albania to adopt key reforms and cross-party cooperation to close negotiations by the end of 2027. Other Western Balkan nations, including Bosnia-Herzegovina, North Macedonia, Serbia, and Kosovo, remain at various stages of the process.
