Montenegro targets December 2026 for EU Chapter 24 closure

Montenegro is working toward the temporary closure of Chapter 24, titled ‘Justice, Freedom, and Security,’ in its negotiations with the European Union. The country aims to achieve this milestone by December 2026.

Chapter 24 focuses on enabling the free movement of people while maintaining citizen security. Key areas of reform include combating organized crime, managing borders, regulating migration and asylum, aligning visa policies, and fighting terrorism and human trafficking.

To succeed, Montenegro must demonstrate not only the existence of appropriate laws but also the effective enforcement of those laws by its police, prosecution, and border services. Successful implementation is intended to strengthen international cooperation with EU member states and improve the state's ability to combat cross-border criminal activities, such as smuggling of drugs and weapons.