While those negotiating with the European Union (EU) are preparing documentation every day, and there is still a lot of work to do to close all chapters by the end of 2026, political squabbles over important issues are often putting the brakes on. Could we slip on the road to Brussels if the Parliament does not elect the missing Constitutional Court judges as soon as possible, as is constantly being called for from European sources?
"I expect that with the regular session, the necessary filling of those vacant positions in the Constitutional Court will occur, which will enable the functional work of this institution. If that does not happen? That could be a problem. That has already proven to be a problem and I believe that all decision-makers will refrain from the option in which it could again bring the negotiation process into question and, I repeat, not only the negotiation process, but also the elementary functioning of all institutions of Montenegro," Predrag Zenović, Montenegro's chief negotiator with the EU, told Television Vijesti.
And, because of the Parliament, the councils of important institutions – the Central Bank and the Agency for Audiovisual Media Services – are not functioning, because the majority persistently refuses to elect their members. The Chief Negotiator has high expectations on this issue as well from the regular session of Parliament, which begins in October, and emphasizes that the EU's messages were clear here as well.
"Montenegro is now at a stage where even the smallest possible details in this entire mosaic of the rule of law can be a form of warning or arouse some form of suspicion among member states, and in this regard, I believe that we will find adequate forums, ways and envisaged legal mechanisms to empower these institutions, to strengthen them and to elect the missing members in a timely manner," Zenović points out.
Water quality is one of the key criteria for closing the Environment and Climate Change chapter. The problem on the European path could be prevented if the construction of the collector in Botun, which is largely financed by the Union, is not carried out.
"So it carries a financial challenge, an investment challenge and of course our attitude, as a society as a whole, towards that idea and the obligation to fulfill all the steps necessary for Montenegro to successfully close Chapter 27," said Zenović.
Our country is expected to demonstrate the strength and robustness of the rule of law, because without it we cannot be part of the European family. Although Brussels' assessments are perceived as positive, according to the Action Plans for the 23rd and 24th, results are necessary through final judgments for high-level corruption and organized crime and the confiscation of assets acquired through crime.
"These balance sheets in these areas will ultimately be an indicator of the strength and power of the rule of law system in Montenegro, its judicial system to produce a balance sheet of results of final judgments, and I believe that the entire rule of law system will demonstrate precisely this strength," said Montenegro's chief negotiator with the European Union.
Although the largest number of chapters remain for 2026, they intend, says Zenović, to close as many of them as possible by the end of this year.
"I would not prejudge further when it comes to the specific number of chapters, since we also need to receive final confirmation from the European Union that everything we have done, which is truly impressive for this short period, is in order.". "Our goal is to still have two intergovernmental conferences by the end of this year, in order to relieve the process with those chapters that are ready, that can be closed," says Zenović.
He concludes that the negotiation documentation has been prepared and results have been achieved for the chapters relating to the right of establishment and provision of services, commercial law, agriculture, and fisheries, and he says that a step forward has been made regarding the free movement of capital and financial services.
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