Croatia signals to EU that Montenegro is on track for accession

Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković communicated to EU institutions that Zagreb will not create additional obstacles for Montenegro if Podgorica fulfills its agreed commitments. The message, delivered through contacts involved in the EU enlargement process, was described as an encouraging sign that the two sides are close to resolving outstanding issues, including the Morinj memorial, compensation for former detainees, and the school ship Jadran.

New conditions introduced by Croatia are not seen as blocking the talks, and the European Commission, backed by France and Germany, expects Montenegro to conclude accession negotiations by the end of the year or early next year, aiming for EU membership by 2028‑2029. The outcome will also affect the ratification process in the Croatian Parliament, which is occurring amid an election campaign.