EU begins drafting Montenegro’s accession treaty
Commissioner Marta Kos called the move a "key moment," while Podgorica aims to wrap up the process by 2028.
BRUSSELS — European Union member states on Wednesday began drafting Montenegro’s accession treaty, an important step on the country’s path to full membership. According to Koha, this is the first such process opened for a Western Balkan country since Croatia’s accession in 2013.
Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos called the decision “a major step” and stressed it represents recognition of Montenegro’s reform progress. The working group will also incorporate strengthened safeguards to prevent backsliding on rule of law and fundamental values.
Montenegro’s government hopes to close the accession process by 2028. The country is currently the most advanced among Balkan candidates and has closed most negotiation chapters.
A message to the region
European Council President Antonio Costa called the decision to set up the drafting group “a key moment” for the Balkan nation. Brussels is signaling that Montenegro can serve as an example for other neighbors awaiting progress — Albania, North Macedonia, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Kosovo.
The final treaty will, however, need to be approved unanimously by all 27 member states and ratified by national parliaments — a process that can take years.
This is a major step and a key moment for the Western Balkans, said Commissioner Marta Kos, as cited by Koha, adding that the treaty will contain stronger guarantees for upholding EU standards after accession.
The Montenegrin government has stressed that reform implementation will not stop with the opening of the draft treaty. Current priorities include the judiciary, the fight against corruption and media independence.
Montenegro’s accession is also geopolitically important — the country has been a NATO member since 2017 and shares borders with Kosovo, Albania, Bosnia and Serbia.
Source: Koha