European Union ambassadors decided to set up an 'ad hoc working party' to draft an accession pact, according to multiple reports. European Council President António Costa described the move as a 'key milestone' and 'a big step towards accession to the European Union'.
Montenegrin Minister of European Affairs Maida Gorčević hailed the decision, saying the drafting of an accession pact heralds the 'final lap of a fourteen-year marathon on the path towards the EU'. She added that the move marks the final phase of the negotiation process, with EU membership slated for 2028. Accession talks have been ongoing for around 14 years.
key milestone
A Joint Consultative Committee (JCC) was held on Friday in Podgorica between the EU and Montenegrin civil society. Gorčević highlighted the important role civil society plays in Montenegro's accession process through its participation in working groups. Deputy head of the EU's Delegation to Montenegro Riccardo Serri said 'Montenegro has a historic opportunity to bring its European Union accession process to a close.' He added that progress depends on the implementation of concrete reforms in the coming months.
Montenegro, alongside Albania, has been a frontrunner candidate to join the EU since Croatia's accession in 2013. The country has unilaterally adopted the Euro as its currency but is not part of the Eurozone. Montenegro has concluded negotiations on 14 of the 35 clusters, though the remaining 21 clusters still require progress.
a big step towards accession to the European Union
European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos confirmed 'Montenegro’s place inside the EU is now taking shape'. She said the process offers a chance to draw lessons from past enlargements and include new safeguards to prevent backsliding on rule of law and fundamental values. The exact timeline for the drafting of the accession treaty and the specific reforms Montenegro needs to implement in the coming months remain unclear.
final lap of a fourteen-year marathon on the path towards the EU
Montenegro has a historic opportunity to bring its European Union accession process to a close.
But there is no time to lose – progress depends on the implementation of concrete reforms in the coming months.
Montenegro’s place inside the EU is now taking shape
It also offers a chance to draw lessons from past enlargements and include new and stronger safeguards in future accession treaties to prevent backsliding on the rule of law and fundamental values.