The Netherlands supports Montenegro's membership in the European Union, but wants the enlargement to be based solely on meeting the criteria, without "shortcuts", the non-resident ambassador of that country said in an interview for "Vijesti". Martajn Elhersma (Martijn Elgersma), with the assessment that Montenegro's deadline for EU entry is ambitious, but not impossible.
He did not directly answer whether the Netherlands is blocking Montenegro from closing Chapter 2 - Freedom of Movement of Workers, saying that Brussels is still assessing whether Montenegro has met the conditions for its temporary closure.
The Ambassador emphasizes that the fight against corruption and organized crime, strengthening institutions, and achieving measurable results in the area of the rule of law are key to completing the negotiations, while issues of the transition period for access to the EU labor market remain the subject of discussions in Brussels.
When asked whether the Netherlands is blocking Montenegro from closing Chapter 2 (Freedom of Movement of Workers), he replied that this is currently being considered in Brussels, at a technical level.
He believes that the formation of a working group to draft the Accession Treaty of Montenegro is a positive development, but emphasizes that it is too early to say when this work could be completed, "and it partly depends on Montenegro's progress in the accession negotiations."
Is it true that the Netherlands is blocking Montenegro from closing Chapter 2 (Freedom of Movement of Workers) and, if so, why?
Whether Montenegro has fulfilled the conditions for the provisional closure of Chapter 2 is currently being assessed in Brussels, at a technical level, among Member States. The discussions also concern the transitional arrangements under Chapter 2.
According to published information, Montenegro is seeking a transition period of two years for full access of Montenegrin workers to the EU labor market, while the Netherlands believes that this period is too short and is proposing seven years. Is this true?
Transitional arrangements are part of the ongoing talks in Brussels. This is nothing unusual.
Why does the Netherlands believe that the transition period should last seven years and under what conditions would it accept a shorter period?
It is too early to comment on these topics, now that discussions between Member States and the Commission are ongoing.
The Netherlands, along with France and Belgium, is often mentioned as one of the EU members skeptical of enlargement. Why is that?
The Netherlands has consistently supported enlargement based on real progress in reforms, aware that enlargement will only be successful if it is based on fulfilling the accession criteria. Enlargement must be a win-win situation: it must strengthen both Montenegro and the Union. Dutch policy is often described as “strict, fair and engaged”: together with the European Commission, we check whether the criteria are met. When they are, we support the next steps. Throughout the process, the Netherlands supports candidate countries through our bilateral MATRA programme and other technical assistance programmes, so that the necessary reforms are put into practice, with a strong focus on strengthening the rule of law.
What is the opinion of Dutch citizens about Montenegro and the Western Balkans in general?
I cannot summarize the opinions of 18 million Dutch citizens; approximately 30.000 of them, and this number is growing, visit Montenegro every year for tourist reasons. More importantly, the Special Eurobarometer for 2025 showed that 61 percent of the Dutch population supports Montenegro's candidacy for EU membership.
What should Montenegro do to convince the public in the Netherlands that it is ready to join the EU?
The best way to maintain public support for enlargement is to adhere to a merit-based accession process, without shortcuts. By closing the negotiation chapters, Montenegro demonstrates that it has taken on board the relevant parts of the EU acquis, i.e. all the rules and regulations of the Union. Chapters 23 and 24 have a special place, as they relate to the essential characteristics of a state based on the rule of law, including the fight against corruption and organised crime. Achieving a credible track record in this area is crucial.
In general, Montenegro must continue to meet the Copenhagen political and economic criteria: a mature democratic system, the guarantee of human and minority rights, and a functioning market economy. This is the basis for membership. Without this, the mere adoption of the EU legal framework would be an empty formula. Montenegro’s timetable for membership is ambitious; the best it can do now is to do its homework, be honest about the problems that arise, and address them with the instruments of a democratic state under the rule of law.
Do you believe that Montenegro will become the next EU member by the end of next year?
As I said, Montenegro's timeline is ambitious, but not impossible - ultimately, membership should come when all conditions are met. And let's be honest: achieving membership and sustainable improvement in the lives of citizens is important. In my opinion, the quality of reforms is more important than the exact date of membership.
When do you expect the Accession Treaty for Montenegro to be ready, or rather written? What does that depend on?
A working group was formed for this purpose in April and held its first meeting, which is a positive development. The working group is responsible for the legal and technical drafting of the Accession Treaty, which includes defining transition periods and safeguard clauses. It is too early to say when this work might be completed, and it partly depends on Montenegro's progress in the accession negotiations.
In your opinion, what are the main challenges on Montenegro's path to the EU? Is it the fight against organized crime and corruption? How do you assess Montenegro's results so far in that area?
Of course, all eyes are on the fight against organised crime and corruption. But, as I mentioned earlier, the functioning and resilience of the democratic system and important institutions are also crucial. Montenegro has made good progress and deserves praise for that. For us, as a founding member of the Union that has never had to go through the current accession process, it is always important to remember how demanding that process actually is. Now is the time to show that this progress is paying off and to complete the accession process.
What do you think about the idea of temporarily removing the veto right of new members? Do you think Montenegro should agree to it?
It is important to ensure that the EU system and its internal processes are ready to welcome new Member States. This is also part of the Copenhagen criteria. Member States and EU institutions will discuss what adjustments are needed to preserve the Union's ability to act. The outcomes of this discussion will be taken into account in the accession treaties with the new Member States. The best thing Montenegro can do now is to meet all the conditions set and prepare well for future membership.
Is there a danger that current geopolitical tensions and the war with Iran will slow down the enlargement process?
First of all, current geopolitical tensions have revived the momentum of the enlargement process. Second, the geopolitical context remains unpredictable. As I said, I prefer to focus on what we know must be done, which is the successful conclusion of the accession negotiations by fulfilling the benchmarks set.
What do you think about Montenegro using the euro even though it is not a member of the eurozone? Will Montenegro be able to keep the euro when it joins the EU and under what conditions?
This issue will likely be addressed during the accession negotiations. Montenegro is indeed in a unique position, as it uses the euro without being a member of the eurozone. In order to become a formal member of the eurozone, Montenegro will have to meet the established technical criteria.
Dutch companies seek opportunities in the Montenegrin market
How do you assess the economic cooperation between Montenegro and the Netherlands? Where do you see room for improvement?
Although the bilateral trade figures are quite impressive, the presence of Dutch companies in Montenegro remains limited. However, Dutch companies, especially those already present in the region, are looking for opportunities in the Montenegrin market. A very positive development in this regard is that since last summer we have had an agricultural team based in Belgrade, tasked with intensifying cooperation with the region in the field of agribusiness.
In order to increase the attractiveness of entering the Montenegrin market for Dutch and EU companies in general, it would be advisable to further improve the investment climate and ease of doing business. The Foreign Investors Council in Montenegro provides useful recommendations in its latest White Paper on the Investment Climate in Montenegro.
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