“We are determined to temporarily close all negotiation chapters by the end of 2026, so that Montenegro becomes a full member of the EU in 2028. Through the Road Map that we are preparing together with our partners from the EC, we will intensify the work on rounding off the reforms, which will fulfill all obligations and be ready to join the EU”, said Minister of European Affairs Maida Gorčević in a conversation with the newly appointed Ambassador of the Republic of Austria to Montenegro, Christian Steiner.
Gorčević informed the ambassador about the current moment in the negotiations, pointing out that Montenegro is ready to close several negotiation chapters by the end of the year. As she said, the chapters that are closest to closure are 7 – Intellectual Property Law, 10 – Information Society and Media, 20 – Entrepreneurship and Industrial Policy and 31 – Foreign, Security and Defense Policy.
She pointed out that there is a determination of the Government and the Assembly to speed up all activities from the negotiation process, so that Montenegro takes its place in the EU within the planned period, and our citizens feel all the advantages of full membership.
Ambassador Steiner pointed out that Austria supports the membership of Montenegro and other countries of the Western Balkans in the EU. He expressed his belief that Montenegro will fulfill all obligations in a short period of time in order to soon become a full member of the EU. In this context, he emphasized the significance of strengthening administrative capacities and the training of professional staff who will be ready to take on the numerous obligations expected of Montenegro after membership.