Montenegro advances EU accession and defense cooperation

Montenegro is advancing its European Union accession process, with officials aiming to close all negotiation chapters by the end of the year to facilitate membership by 2028. An intergovernmental conference between Montenegro and the EU may take place on September 22 in Brussels. European Affairs Minister Maida Gorčević stated that Montenegro has submitted negotiating positions for nine chapters, with the remaining six expected by month-end.

During a visit to Tallinn, Gorčević received support from Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna, who emphasized the importance of preparing for the accession treaty. However, the process faces hurdles, including bilateral disputes with Croatia. Croatia has reportedly placed pressure on Montenegro regarding transport policy chapters and historical issues, including the search for missing persons from the 1990s war and maritime border disputes.

In a separate development, the United Kingdom is supporting Montenegro in enhancing its defense capacities. British Ambassador Neris Jones met with Defense Minister Dragan Krapović to discuss cooperation in modernization, military training, logistics, and cyber defense to strengthen NATO interoperability and regional stability.