EU Enlargement Reform Push Highlights Montenegro and Serbia Accession

The European Commission is drafting proposals to overhaul the EU enlargement process ahead of the October leaders’ summit. The plans aim to restore the Commission’s initiative by introducing stronger safeguards against democratic backsliding, drawing lessons from Hungary, and exploring gradual integration mechanisms such as “associate membership” for newcomers. Germany and France have suggested that candidate countries could receive early benefits before full membership, while five of the six founding members back tighter rule‑of‑law safeguards.

Montenegro is close to completing its accession, with 16 negotiation chapters already closed and the remaining ones slated for closure by year‑end. Minister of European Affairs Maida Gorčević met a Dutch parliamentary delegation, emphasizing the progress and the need for coordinated reform implementation. Montenegrin officials Boris Mugoša and Ammar Borančić also met Dutch MP Feliks Klos, stressing the importance of deep reforms and a pro‑European government after next year’s elections.

In Serbia, the EU Commission reports that the country has reversed controversial justice reforms and made enough advances to consider opening “Cluster 3” of accession talks, though further judicial improvements are still required. The move requires unanimous approval from all member states. President Aleksandar Vučić has announced forthcoming elections, adding a political dimension to the accession debate.

The broader EU discussion on enlargement is intensifying, with member‑state position papers, upcoming strategic talks at the EUCO meeting, and sensitivities linked to the upcoming French presidential election.