Vuković: Montenegro is lagging behind in EU integration, only four chapters can be closed by July

DPS MP Ivan Vuković announced today that Montenegro is lagging behind in the European integration process and is losing focus, despite the continued strong support of the European Union.

Vuković published a "review of the situation after a multi-day visit to Brussels" on the X network, stating that instead of the previously unofficially announced 10 chapters, it is realistic to expect the closure of only four by July - chapters 2, 9, 28 and 29.

According to him, two additional chapters could be ready for closure by July, but he warns that without intensifying the process, Montenegro will not be able to close all negotiation chapters during 2026.

He also pointed out that, despite earlier announcements, the intergovernmental conference of Montenegro with the EU will not be held in April, while the working group for drafting the EU accession treaty is still being considered.

Vuković also pointed to concerns in Brussels about the political consequences of adopting the laws on the National Security Agency (ANB) and the Police Directorate (UP).

"Three visits by the President of the Parliament (Andrija Mandić) to the Republika Srpska in 2026 were also registered (and no official visits to any EU member state), "he stated.

Also, as he added, the visit of Deputy Prime Minister Filip Ivanović to Budapest during the election campaign in that country was recorded. Montenegro has opened all negotiation chapters in its negotiations with the EU, 33, and has so far temporarily closed 14.

The Government's goal, as has been announced repeatedly, is to completely close all remaining chapters, so that Montenegro becomes the first EU member state by the end of 2028.