MEPs fully support Montenegro’s future in the EU

Montenegro is the most advanced candidate country

Strategic European orientation and commitment to independent statehood are key political criteria in Montenegro’s accession negotiations

Concerns about persistent and intensifying malign foreign interference

Montenegro remains the frontrunner in the EU accession process, according to Committee on Foreign Affairs MEPs, who call on the authorities to maintain its momentum.

In a report adopted by 56 votes in favour, 7 against and 10 abstentions, Committee on Foreign Affairs MEPs welcome Montenegro’s steady progress on EU-related reforms, underpinned by its ambition to complete negotiations by the end of 2026. They also note Montenegro’s aspirations to become the 28th EU member state by 2028.

Pointing to the broad public support among Montenegrin citizens for the country’s European path, MEPs encourage all political actors to stay focused and maintain the country’s momentum towards successfully concluding accession negotiations.

Alongside technical reform benchmarks, MEPs say that a strategic European orientation and unwavering commitment by Montenegro’s political representatives to the country’s independent statehood remain key political criteria in the country’s EU accession process.

Political stability is needed to implement reforms

The report calls on all state authorities to ensure political differences do not delay the adoption and implementation of EU-related reforms. It stresses that safeguarding the strategic objective of EU membership must remain a shared national priority above “partisan considerations” and urges the Montenegrin parliament and government to prevent identity politics from diverting attention away from the EU agenda.

The report highlights the importance of measurable and lasting results in implementing reforms, particularly in justice, the rule of law and public finance management. The fight against organised crime and corruption, as well as concerns relating to media freedom and civil society, also remain firmly on the agenda.

Foreign interference

MEPs welcome Montenegro’s steadfast and full alignment with the EU’s common foreign and security policy, including EU restrictive measures against Russia. They point out that as the most advance candidate country, Montenegro should also continue playing a constructive and stabilising role in the Western Balkans region.

The report expresses grave concerns by persistent and intensifying malign foreign interference, hybrid threats and disinformation campaigns by third-country actors. These are aimed at undermining Montenegro’s democratic institutions, societal cohesion, and its strategic orientation towards the EU, MEPs say and note in particular the malign influence of China, Russia, and Serbia.

Parliament will vote on the report at one of its upcoming plenary sessions.

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The rapporteur Marijan Šarec (Renew, Slovenia) said: “Montenegro is facing an exceptionally demanding year — time is short and there is much work to be done. This report should serve both as recognition of the progress achieved so far and as encouragement for the period ahead. Above all, it should be understood as a call to all stakeholders to exercise wisdom and responsibility, to ensure that minor disputes do not overshadow – or derail – the broader strategic objectives.”