Montenegro is determined to temporarily close all negotiation chapters by the end of 2026, in order to become a full member of the European Union (EU) in 2028, said Minister of European Affairs Maida Gorčević.
As announced by the Ministry of European Affairs, Gorčević spoke with the newly appointed ambassador of Austria in Montenegro, Christian Steiner, and informed him about the current situation in the negotiations.
"We are determined to temporarily close all negotiation chapters by the end of 2026, so that Montenegro becomes a full member of the EU in 2028," said Gorčević.
She said that, through the Road Map that they are preparing together with partners from the European Commission, they will intensify work on rounding off the reforms.
"Thus, we will fulfill all obligations and be ready to join the EU," said Gorčević.
She pointed out that Montenegro is ready to close several negotiation chapters by the end of the year.
As she stated, the chapters closest to closure are 7 - Intellectual Property Law, 10 - Information Society and Media, 20 - Entrepreneurship and Industrial Policy and 31 - Foreign, Security and Defense Policy.
Gorčević emphasized that there is a determination of the Government and the Assembly to speed up all activities from the negotiation process, so that Montenegro takes its place in the EU within the planned period, and the citizens feel all the advantages of full membership.
Steiner pointed out that Austria supports the membership of Montenegro and other countries of the Western Balkans in the EU.
He said that he is convinced that Montenegro will fulfill all obligations in a short period of time in order to soon become a full member of the EU.
"In this context, he pointed out the importance of strengthening administrative capacities and the education of professional staff, who will be ready to take on the numerous obligations expected of Montenegro after accession," the announcement states.
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