“Our strategic goal remains firm and unequivocal — to become the 28th member state of the European Union by 2028. In that sense, we continue to diligently and consistently adhere to the established framework and obligations, with a clear objective of meeting the final benchmarks and closing all negotiation chapters by the end of 2026,” said Montenegro’s Chief Negotiator with the EU, Predrag Zenović.
He participated in Strasbourg at the 25th meeting of the European Union–Montenegro Stabilisation and Association Parliamentary Committee (SAPC), where he spoke about EU–Montenegro relations and the state of accession negotiations.
Zenović stated that Montenegro has maintained a strong and consistent negotiation dynamic over the past period and has intensified reform efforts with the aim of achieving tangible and measurable results in practice. He said that Montenegro is at a historically important moment and called for unity among all branches of government and the civil sector, with the goal of successful integration into the EU.
“Montenegro remains the most advanced candidate country, with all negotiation chapters opened, of which 14 have been provisionally closed. The establishment of the Working Group for drafting the Accession Treaty marks a key transition into the final phase of the accession process, in which membership is no longer just a strategic aspiration, but a real, credible, and attainable outcome in the foreseeable future,” Zenović stated.
He emphasized that in the key area of the rule of law, visible progress has been achieved through a significantly increased level of implementation of obligations within Chapters 23 and 24, where the country continues to build a credible track record in the areas of judiciary, the fight against corruption and organized crime, and the protection of human rights, thereby confirming, both in principle and in practice, that no one is above the law.
Zenović also stated that Montenegro remains firmly and unequivocally committed to reforms in the field of environment and climate change, with continuous intensification of activities within Chapter 27.
The Chief Negotiator emphasized that strengthening the partnership between the Government and Parliament is key to ensuring the continuity and irreversibility of reforms. In that regard, he highlighted the importance of the Parliament’s Resolution adopted in March this year, which defines EU integration as the absolute and overarching priority of the state.
“With the continued support of our European partners, and through joint, coordinated, and unwavering efforts of all institutions, we are fully confident that we will successfully complete this final phase and achieve our strategic goal — full membership in the European Union by 2028,” Zenović concluded.