Montenegro has a chance for EU membership, but serious reforms and challenges remain

Montenegro has a significant opportunity to become the next member of the European Union, provided it continues to demonstrate progress and fulfill its commitments, stated Marjan Šarec, the European Parliament's rapporteur for Montenegro.

In a discussion preceding the European Parliament's vote on a resolution concerning Montenegro, Šarec acknowledged that the EU must also uphold its end of the bargain. He noted that the goal of concluding accession negotiations by the end of 2026 is ambitious, and successful implementation, especially of chapters 23 and 24, which are central to the accession process, will be paramount. Progress in the rule of law, judicial independence, and the fight against corruption and organized crime will critically influence the pace of Montenegro's EU membership journey.

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The most important will be the implementation. This particularly applies to chapters 23 and 24, which are the backbone of the entire accession process. Progress in the area of rule of law, judicial independence, and the fight against corruption and organized crime will crucially influence the speed at which Montenegro moves towards membership.

The EP report expresses concern regarding the recent adoption of amendments to Montenegro's laws on internal affairs and the National Security Agency. It highlights "malignant influence" from China, Russia, and Serbia, and voices apprehension over the "political instrumentalization of religious institutions by external actors." Šarec stressed that accession to the European Union must remain a shared national priority, transcending daily political disputes and partisan interests.

Šarec pointed out that Montenegro's political landscape currently faces the challenge of amending its constitution, a process requiring a two-thirds majority in parliament. He emphasized the necessity of opposition cooperation to achieve this, suggesting that the platform presented by the opposition offers a good basis for further dialogue. The rapporteur concluded that Montenegro is no longer just proving its European orientation but demonstrating its capacity to enact the final reforms needed for EU admission. The report serves as both an acknowledgment of progress and a roadmap for the work ahead, with challenges being real but the opportunity also significant. The recent closure of two more chapters, bringing the total to 16 out of 33, marks an important step forward.

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Montenegro is no longer proving its European commitment, but proving its ability to implement the final reforms needed for EU accession.