Montenegro successfully closed three chapters in its negotiations with the European Union (EU) this evening at the Intergovernmental Conference in Brussels. The closed chapters are: Chapter 7 – Intellectual Property Law, Chapter 10 – Information Society and Media, and Chapter 20 – Enterprise and Industrial Policy.
The Montenegrin delegation at the conference was led by Prime Minister Milojko Spajić.
“We are concluding the year by closing these three chapters, filled with enthusiasm to close all remaining chapters by 2026 and become the 28th member of the EU by 2028,” Spajić stated.
He described this achievement as a “point of no return” for Montenegro and expressed optimism about soon closing the fourth chapter – Chapter 31 (Foreign, Security, and Defense Policy), currently blocked by Croatia.
“We have fulfilled all conditions for the fourth chapter, and I hope it will be closed soon, as recommended by our friends in the European Commission within just 12 months. We have achieved more in the past 12 months than in the previous 12 years on this path,” Spajić added.
Marta Kos, the European Commissioner for Enlargement congratulated the Montenegrin Prime Minister, his team, and everyone in Podgorica for their “tireless work on reforms and their implementation.”
“Today, we witness Montenegro reaching another key milestone on its path toward EU membership. I see this as a step closer to the family of European nations,” Kos said.
She emphasized that Montenegro demonstrated to other candidate countries what can be achieved with political will and determination, noting that the enlargement process is merit-based.
“Montenegro has earned the closure of these three chapters,” Kos concluded.
Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó also congratulated Montenegro, stating that the country offers everything the EU needs and has the potential to strengthen it.
“We need new strength and ambition. These are the things Montenegro can offer. This is not just a shared interest but also a mutual benefit,” Szijjártó remarked.
With this achievement, the number of closed chapters in Montenegro’s accession negotiations has risen to six. All negotiation chapters have been opened, with three chapters previously temporarily closed: Chapter 25 – Science and Research, Chapter 26 – Education and Culture, and Chapter 30 – External Relations.