Austria supports Montenegro’s EU accession path

Austrian Minister for Europe, Integration and Family, Claudia Bauer, stated that Montenegro’s progress toward European Union membership should be measured by the fulfillment of criteria rather than current political relations in Podgorica. She emphasized that bilateral disputes should not slow down the EU enlargement process.

Bauer expressed support for Montenegro’s goal to conclude negotiations by the end of 2026 and achieve membership by 2028. She noted that chapters 23 and 24, concerning the rule of law, remain among the most challenging aspects of the negotiations. Additionally, she addressed the ongoing preparation of the accession treaty, noting that while protective measures and transitional periods will be necessary, they must remain proportional.