Draft EP resolution: Politicians in Montenegro to remain focused on negotiations with the EU

The European Parliament (EP) encourages all political actors in Montenegro to remain focused and maintain the momentum towards the successful conclusion of accession negotiations with the European Union (EU), according to a draft resolution prepared by the EP rapporteur for Montenegro, Marjan Šarec.

The document stresses the need for political stability and constructive inter-party cooperation in this regard, recalls that real progress depends on the effective implementation of adopted reforms and lasting results in the area of ​​the rule of law, and encourages Montenegro to further improve the fulfillment of the final benchmarks, in particular for chapters 23 and 24 relating to the rule of law.

"The EP remains deeply concerned about malicious foreign interference, destabilizing activities, hybrid threats and disinformation campaigns carried out by third-country actors in Montenegro," the draft states, calling for stronger measures to combat them and strengthen the resilience of society.

It also calls on the EU and Montenegro to continue targeted strategic communication on the benefits of enlargement and EU membership.

It also calls for the acceleration of judicial and prosecutorial appointments, with merit-based and transparent procedures, including appointments to the Constitutional Court and the Judicial and Prosecutorial Council.

"Montenegro is called upon to step up proactive investigations and prosecutions of high-level corruption and to strengthen the capacity and performance of judicial and anti-corruption bodies," the Draft states.

The EP, it added, calls for further alignment with the EU acquis and EU standards in the fight against corruption and for Montenegro to address the remaining recommendations in this area.

Montenegro is also called upon to fully align its visa policy with that of the EU, especially in relation to countries that pose a security risk.

It is recalled that this is the final benchmark under Chapter 24.

The importance of transparent and accountable public administration, stronger administrative capacities and a professional civil service based on merit is also emphasized.

Šarec, in a statement to the media, points out that Montenegro is facing an extremely demanding year - "time is short, but work is plentiful."

"This report should therefore serve both as a recognition of the progress achieved so far and as an encouragement for the period ahead. Above all, it should be understood as a call to all stakeholders to show wisdom and responsibility, so that minor disputes do not overshadow - or derail - broader strategic goals," he said.

It indicates that this is a draft report, prepared in accordance with certain limitations regarding scope (length). MEPs will further consider it and amend it.

The presentation of the draft report to the European Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee (AFET) is planned for the end of February. The vote in the Committee is scheduled for May, followed by a vote in plenary in Strasbourg in June, the statement said.

Reduce the backlog in corruption and organized crime cases

The draft, in the part relating to the rule of law, calls on Montenegro to further align its legal framework with the EU acquis and European standards on the independence, accountability, impartiality, integrity and professionalism of the judiciary, and to implement the remaining recommendations.

It also calls for greater efficiency of the justice system, including reducing backlogs, particularly in corruption and organized crime cases.

The EP "calls on Montenegro to step up proactive investigations and prosecutions of high-level corruption and to strengthen the capacity and performance of judicial and anti-corruption bodies."

It also calls for further alignment with the EU acquis and standards in the fight against corruption, as well as for Montenegro to address the remaining recommendations in this area and implement all comprehensive integrity policies to protect law enforcement and the judiciary from corruption and organized crime.

Montenegro, it is added, needs to increase the efficiency of criminal prosecution and court proceedings for serious and organized crime, especially in money laundering cases.

Combat discrimination against women

In the area of ​​fundamental freedoms and human rights, it is stated that the EP žbut due to the fact that vulnerable groups, including Roma and Egyptians, people with disabilities and LGBTIQ+ people, continue to suffer discrimination, hate speech and hate crimes in Montenegro and reiterates its call on the Parliament of Montenegro to adopt a new law on the prohibition of discrimination in line with the EU acquis and European standards.

It strongly condemns all hate speech and hate crimes, welcomes the increase in the number of criminal prosecutions for racism and hate speech, and encourages Montenegro to strengthen its institutional response to hate speech and fully align itself with the EU acquis.

The need to combat discrimination against women is emphasized.

The EP "regrets the prevalence of gender-based violence and victim-blaming attitudes and calls on Montenegro to adequately finance, strengthen, coordinate and implement its gender equality framework."

According to the Draft, the EP notes Montenegro's zero-tolerance policy towards violence against journalists and condemns cases of strong verbal attacks on the media and civil society representatives by public officials and political parties, and calls for swift and effective law enforcement and efficient judicial protection, while prioritizing investigations and resolving unresolved cases.

It emphasizes the crucial role of free and pluralistic media, welcomes the recent appointment of members of the Council of the Agency for Audiovisual Media Services, and emphasizes that the Agency must be able to work independently, without political influence.

The EP calls for the meaningful involvement of civil society in policy-making, including the resumption, after a long break, of the work of the Council for Cooperation between the Government and NGOs.

In the part relating to good neighborly relations, the EP calls for constructive solutions to remaining bilateral issues, while prioritizing the interests of citizens.

It also commends Montenegro for its consistent progress in domestic prosecution of war crimes cases, encourages it to continue its proactive approach to ensuring access to justice and reparations for victims, and welcomes regional cooperation on these issues, including the issue of missing persons.

Improve the digitalization of public services and strengthen vocational education

In the area of ​​socio-economic reforms, the EP, according to the Draft, welcomes Montenegro's engagement within the EU Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, commends the progress in implementing the reform agenda, with the disbursement of 18 million euros, and encourages further implementation.

The EP continues to encourage Montenegro to make full and effective use of all EU funds allocated to it, including strengthening administrative capacity, accelerating programming and contracting, and improving coordination.

The European Parliament notes Montenegro's economic growth and calls for continued fiscal discipline, structural reforms, improved governance and measures to strengthen competitiveness, private sector growth and foreign investment, but also calls on Montenegro to improve the digitalization of public services and strengthen vocational education linked to the needs of the economy.

Montenegro is called upon to intensify the fight against corruption in public procurement by strengthening the legal framework and better detecting irregularities, and to ensure that all intergovernmental agreements fully respect EU rules and principles.

Adopt and implement a national energy and climate plan

In the part related to energy and environment, the European Parliament calls on Montenegro to step up efforts towards a sustainable and green transition and to finally adopt and implement the National Energy and Climate Plan, as well as to fully align with the Electricity Market Integration Package and stronger energy efficiency measures.

"Montenegro is invited to step up efforts to meet the final benchmarks of Chapter 27, focusing on air quality, water, nature protection, waste management and climate change, and to adopt strategies and action plans for air quality and nature protection, as well as local waste management plans, and welcomes the fact that Montenegro has joined the EU LIFE programme," the Draft states.

Montenegro confirms candidate status

The explanatory memorandum to the Draft states that Montenegro continues to enjoy the status of a leader on the path to membership in the European Union and over the past year has taken steps that confirm that status.

"This European Parliament report is based on careful monitoring of daily developments and a rigorous assessment of the progress and activities of relevant actors. As a permanent rapporteur, I was present in the country whenever possible and tried to assess the situation as accurately and objectively as possible," Šarec said.

Undoubtedly, as he said, the closure of five negotiation chapters at the end of last year shows progress, and the closure of Chapter 32 in January 2026 is also good news.

"The Montenegrin negotiating team has set itself a very ambitious goal to close all chapters by the end of 2026," he said.

Politicians use the collector for confrontation

Šarec warned that Montenegro's path towards the EU is not determined only by technical negotiations and the implementation of reforms.

"That path is also shaped by everyday politics with various conflicting interests. A clear example is the construction of a wastewater treatment plant for the capital, which is encountering political obstacles, as certain prominent politicians are using the project for political confrontation. However, without a modern wastewater treatment system, the capital cannot function in accordance with the Constitution of Montenegro, which defines the state as ecological, and this is also a condition for closing the relevant negotiation chapter," Šarec wrote in his explanation.

The fight against organized crime and corruption, as well as concerns about media freedom and civil society, also remain high on the agenda, he said.

"The most important thing in the whole process is that public opinion polls on support for EU membership continue to show strong support from citizens. Most of the political spectrum is aware of this reality and is acting accordingly. Most political actors have internalized the accession process as the most important state-building endeavor and a decisive turning point for the country," he said.