Montenegro backs EU enlargement safeguards tied to objective rule‑of‑law criteria

Montenegro, the most advanced EU accession candidate aiming to join as the 28th member by 2028, said it supports new safeguards intended to prevent democratic backsliding in future members. Ambassador Petar Marković told Euronews that any safeguards must be based on objective, case‑by‑case criteria and should not create a "second‑class" status for new entrants.

He noted that Montenegro already scores well on rule‑of‑law measures in the European Commission’s reviews, and that clear criteria could ease the ratification process amid growing scepticism in some founding states. Marković also referenced proposals such as the “gradual integration” model promoted by France and Germany, urging that any changes to enlargement rules not be introduced at the final stage of a candidate’s accession journey.