[REVISION HISTORY]

Montenegro EU accession: Constitutional and regulatory steps

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2026-10-08 06:51 UTC → 2026-10-10 12:39 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Montenegro continues to advance toward European Union membership, maintaining its position as the Balkan nation closest to accession. While the government has fulfilled all six final criteria for Chapter 22 (Regional Policy), the focus remains on the final negotiation chapters, specifically Chapters 23 (Judiciary and Fundamental Rights) and 24 (Justice, Freedom, and Security). To meet these requirements, European Affairs Minister Maida Gorčević has emphasized the necessity of preparing the nation’s constitutional order. Recent regulatory adjustments reflect the practical challenges of alignment, including the suspension of certain meat imports and legislative proposals regarding tobacco tracking systems. Diplomatic support remains steady. European Commissioner for Home Affairs and Migration, Magnus Bruner, recently commended the efforts of Montenegro’s Ministry of Internal Affairs in upholding the rule of law and combating organized crime. ~~Bruner highlighted ongoing cooperation in border management, visa policy alignment, and collaboration with FRONTEX as key factors bringing the country closer to membership.~~ However, ~~new~~ political challenges ~~have emerged regarding the closing of negotiation chapters.~~ persist. Nebojša Medojević, president of the Movement for Changes, stated that Montenegro will be unable to close Chapters 23 and 24 without a legal resolution to the ‘Telekom affair’. Medojević suggested that Brussels has repeatedly warned that addressing high-level corruption is a prerequisite for integration, noting that the European Union may implement enhanced monitoring of the Montenegrin Prosecutor's Office. He further alleged that Prime Minister Milojko Spajić faces pressure regarding specific cases involving state officials. In recent developments, Prime Minister Milojko Spajić ~~welcomed a European Commission proposal regarding EU enlargement policy. Following a presentation by European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos in Strasbourg, Spajić noted that while the number~~ has set an accession target of ~~veto mechanisms for individual states may be reduced,~~ 2028, emphasizing that Montenegro seeks ‘full membership with all associated rights and ~~responsibilities’, including decision-making participation.~~ responsibilities’. Minister Gorčević reaffirmed this commitment, noting that ten negotiation positions have been submitted and stating the government does not fear new institutional protective mechanisms. However, concerns have been raised by the Center for Democratic Transition regarding the speed of legislative processes. Additionally, reports from the consulting firm Fidelity indicate that Chapter 17, concerning economic and monetary policy, was removed from the EU Council’s agenda without public explanation, potentially linked to the controversial ‘DIK model’ regarding the country’s euro model.

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