Montenegro advances toward EU membership as officials tout new funding and 2028 accession goal

Montenegrin officials highlighted accelerating progress toward European Union membership at two recent events. At a two‑hour "Ask the Minister" forum in Tivat, Minister for European Affairs Maida Gorčević and Deputy Prime Minister for Foreign and European Affairs Filip Ivanović said Montenegro has closed 16 negotiating chapters and received nearly half of the €930 million EU assistance allocated to the accession process, including a €150 million highway grant. Ivanović asserted that the country is set to become an EU member in 2028, noting that accession will end roaming charges, boost health investment and strengthen the economy.

Gorčević later spoke at the EU Budget Conference in Brussels, emphasizing that the inclusion of Montenegro in the EU's future budget framework signals a clear political commitment to its accession. She pointed out that since 2016 Montenegro has withdrawn about €930 million from EU funds, with over half drawn in the last three years, reflecting stronger administrative capacity and project preparation. Gorčević stressed that pre‑accession funds have helped implement reforms and that full membership will unlock substantially larger EU funding streams.

Both ministers underscored that while the accession process requires extensive implementation of EU obligations, the recent milestones and financial support mark a decisive shift from a long‑term goal to an imminent reality for Montenegro.