# EU enlargement and Montenegro accession process > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/eu-enlargement-and-montenegro-accession-process > Updated: 2026-09-22T16:12:35.000Z. Sources: 12. Developments: 2. Experts have emphasized that the success of European Union enlargement depends on active support from citizens in both candidate and member states. During a meeting in Podgorica, officials noted that Montenegro’s accession process serves as a test for the credibility of the enlargement process across the Western Balkans. Concerns were raised regarding the economic costs, migration, and security impacts that EU citizens may perceive as the union expands. As negotiations regarding Montenegro’s accession treaty begin in Brussels, discussions have shifted toward structural reforms necessary to accommodate a union of 30 or more members. Proposed reforms include transitioning from unanimous voting to qualified majority voting for most decisions to increase the influence of small and medium-sized states. Additionally, proposals suggest preventing new members from holding veto rights and strengthening Article 7 procedures to protect the rule of law and democratic standards. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-22: EU reform proposals emerge amid Montenegro accession talks Proposals for EU reform have emerged alongside Montenegro’s accession talks, suggesting new rules for voting and stricter democratic requirements for future member states. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/eu-reform-proposals-emerge-amid-montenegro-accession-talks ### 2026-09-03: EU enlargement requires citizen support, experts say Experts in Podgorica argue that EU enlargement must secure public support in both candidate and member states to ensure the process's credibility and long-term sustainability. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/eu-enlargement-requires-citizen-support-experts-say --- Cite as: EU enlargement and Montenegro accession process. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/eu-enlargement-and-montenegro-accession-process