A year after receiving the IBAR, Montenegro is in a completely new phase of the negotiation process. We have emerged from the deadlock and achieved what had been unattainable for years, continuing at that pace to positively shape the European perception of Montenegro.
During the past six months, we have been working intensively on meeting the benchmarks that will enable the closure of negotiation chapters within the planned timeframe, with the primary goal of completing the negotiation process by 2026, and achieving membership in the European Union by 2028.
In the first half of the year, we received pre-financing in the amount of €26.8 million under the EU Growth Plan for the Western Balkans. Through reforms to be financed by this package of measures, we will implement activities aimed at improving the results of investigations, confirmed indictments, and final convictions in cases of organized crime, as well as a comprehensive reform of electoral legislation. The focus is also directed at improving the public procurement system, strengthening the integrity of inspection services, as well as the development of digital infrastructure. In the field of human capital development, a reform of the social and child protection system is planned, as well as investments in all levels of education, with special emphasis on digital education. Of the total pre-financing amount, €14.3 million will be directed towards infrastructure projects in the field of energy through the Western Balkans Investment Framework.
A few weeks ago, we closed another negotiation chapter, raising the number of closed chapters to seven. By closing Chapter 5 – Public Procurement, one of the most demanding ones, the institutions demonstrated the capacity to apply European standards and improve existing practices even in the most sensitive areas.
However, the successes we have achieved since the turnaround in the accession process, launched in November 2023, must continue, and the work further intensified. By the end of this year, based on the current internal readiness, we expect to close a large number of chapters. These include, among others, chapters in the areas of freedom of movement of workers, establishment of companies and provision of services, free movement of capital, agriculture and fisheries.
In addition, our focus is also directed at drawing as much as possible from the available pre-accession funds in order to contribute to economic development even before becoming a member, as well as on extensive reforms. One such reform is the reform of electoral legislation, which will eliminate numerous social, political, and financial challenges arising from the organization of elections. Namely, by unifying all local elections into one day together with the parliamentary elections, political tensions will be reduced, and the social focus can be shifted to important and essential topics. Furthermore, part of this reform will include a mandatory quota of at least 40% of women on electoral lists, giving this reform also a dimension of gender equality policies.
This phase of our European path is not only a moment of achievement but also a call to shared responsibility and determination to persevere until the end. Every next step requires dedication, unity, and faith in what Montenegro can become, which is a modern, just, and prosperous European state. In the years to come, we are not only building the path to membership in the European Union, but we are creating a society in which our citizens live European values, here and now. That is the strength of change we carry, and the vision to which we are firmly committed.
Maida Gorčević
Minister of European Affairs
This text was published in issue no. 16 of the magazine Eurokaz.