Estonia denies requesting pause in Montenegro EU integration

The Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has denied claims that the country requested a pause in Montenegro’s integration process into the European Union. These denials follow reports suggesting that Estonia, alongside the Netherlands, Croatia, Lithuania, and Latvia, had requested a halt to negotiations to allow for more rigorous analysis of compliance with EU standards.

Estonia clarified that Montenegro has made significant progress and is currently in a decisive phase of its membership path. The Ministry stated that Estonia remains a strong supporter of Montenegro’s European integration and is prepared to share its practical experience regarding the accession process.

The EU Delegation in Podgorica also dismissed claims of a negotiation standstill as unfounded, noting that Montenegro has achieved progress across all negotiation chapters. The delegation emphasized the importance of maintaining focus on reforms, particularly regarding the rule of law. Additionally, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has urged media outlets to be cautious, citing an increase in disinformation and manipulated content regarding Montenegro’s EU membership negotiations.