Montenegro moves closer to EU membership after Tivat summit and non‑pejper agreement

Montenegro hosted the EU‑Western Balkans summit in Tivat, where leaders highlighted the country's progress toward EU accession. The summit confirmed that Montenegro is now in the final phase of negotiations, having closed 16 of the 33 required chapters and planning to seal the remaining chapters by the end of the year with a target of joining the EU in 2028.

EU officials introduced a “non‑pejper” mechanism that would allow candidate states to access parts of the EU single market and enjoy the four freedoms immediately after meeting the required reforms, without awaiting full treaty ratification. The document notes, “This is a recognition of the determination, courage and hard work both countries have shown.” Analysts say this is a new acknowledgment from Germany and France of Montenegro’s reform progress and could accelerate its integration.

Political commentators urge Montenegrin parties to maintain reform momentum ahead of upcoming parliamentary elections, emphasizing that the non‑pejper would grant immediate market access, consumer‑protection benefits and other EU advantages once the negotiation chapters are fully closed.