Montenegro to join EU in 2028, ending Turkish visa‑free travel

Montenegro is scheduled to become the European Union’s 28th full member in 2028, following a summit led by EU leaders including the European Council President and the European Commission President. The accession will terminate the visa‑free travel arrangement that Turkish citizens currently enjoy for visits to Montenegro, requiring them to obtain visas for future trips.

Ahead of full membership, France and Germany have proposed a pre‑accession integration model that would give Western Balkan candidate countries, such as Montenegro, observer status in EU institutions and limited access to the Single Market. Montenegro, hosting the meeting in Tivat, rejected any lower‑status integration model, insisting on full membership as the goal. The proposals aim to accelerate the enlargement process for Albania, Bosnia‑Herzegovina, North Macedonia and Serbia as well.