Montenegro's government and parliament forgo break to close EU accession chapters

Minister of European Affairs Maida Gorčević told RTCG that Montenegro has fifteen EU negotiation chapters still open, with chapters 23 and 24 slated to be closed last. The next chapters expected to be finalized are 14 (transport policy) and 31, which is technically ready but awaits Croatia's green light.

Gorčević said internal readiness must be completed by the end of August, meaning the government and parliament will not take the usual summer recess. She highlighted the challenge of chapters on environmental protection, social policy, food safety (chapter 12) and the free movement of goods, all of which require stronger legislation and administrative capacity. The parliament plans to adopt around thirty law amendments and constitutional changes in the coming months.

The minister expressed confidence that all negotiation chapters can be closed by the end of the year, keeping Montenegro on track for full EU membership in 2028.