What is being negotiated?

The policy of the Trans-European Networks chapter is aimed at improving and developing transport, energy, and telecommunications systems in order to reach the standards applicable within the European Union. The objective of establishing Trans-European Networks and promoting better connectivity of national networks is to fully exploit the potential of the internal market and to contribute to economic growth and job creation. Without modern infrastructure connecting different regional and national networks, it is not possible to ensure the free movement of goods, services, capital, and workers, which is also a key element for achieving the Union’s economic and social cohesion and the core value of Chapter 21.

The acquis of this chapter provides the possibility for the involvement of third countries and financial support from European funds for infrastructure projects of regional importance. Montenegro has made particular progress through the “Berlin Process” initiative, which was designed to intensify cooperation among countries of the region in the process of European integration and to stimulate economic growth and create conditions for the implementation of infrastructure projects of common interest.

Sub-areas

The EU acquis in this chapter consists of several mutually complementary sub-areas:

• Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T)

• Trans-European Energy Network (TEN-E)

• Trans-European Telecommunications Network (e-TEN)

The Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) aims to connect capital cities, economic centres, ports, and airports with remote areas, both within individual national frameworks and across the EU. It covers road and intermodal transport, inland waterways and seaports, as well as the network of European high-speed railways.

The Trans-European Energy Network (TEN-E) represents a network of energy systems across the EU, with the aim of ensuring secure energy supply and expanding the energy market. TEN-E covers the electricity and gas sectors.

The Trans-European Telecommunications Network (e-TEN) covers telecommunications networks established as service activities.

When was the chapter opened?

The chapter 21 was opened on 22th June 2015 at the Intergovernmental Conference in Luxembourg, and temporarily closed on March 17, 2026 at the Intergovernmental Conference held in Brussels.

Closing banchmarks

Within Negotiating Chapter 21, Montenegro is required to fulfil the following closing benchmarks:

1. Montenegro and the European Commission have agreed on the future TEN-T network concerning Montenegro, according to Regulation (EU) No 1315/2013 on Union guidelines for the development of the trans-European transport network.
2. Montenegro and the European Commission have agreed on a list of priority projects in the transport sector in line with Regulation (EU) No 1316/2013 establishing the Connecting Europe Facility.
3. Montenegro demonstrates the institutional and administrative capacity needed to undertake the responsibilities referred to in Regulation (EU) No 1316/2013 establishing the Connecting Europe Facility.

What are the activities in the coming period?

In accordance with the requirements of the TEN-T Regulation, Montenegro continues cooperation and coordination with the EU Coordinator for the Western Balkans – Eastern Mediterranean Corridor. Further progress will also be reflected in the continuation of good neighbourly cooperation, particularly through the definition of projects of regional importance on which countries will work jointly. In the coming period, Montenegro is also expected to strengthen its administrative and institutional capacities through regular training programmes and new recruitment, in line with the Roadmap adopted by the Government in December 2025.

What are the benefits of this chapter for Montenegro?

The key benefits of this chapter will be felt by the citizens of Montenegro upon accession. By including transport routes in the core network, Montenegro will achieve faster and safer transport of passengers and goods, the removal of bottlenecks, and improved traffic flow. In addition, electricity transmission systems will be upgraded, thereby ensuring a more reliable energy supply. The greatest significance of the Trans-European Networks lies in the opportunity to implement major infrastructure projects with financial support from the European Union.