Montenegro is pushing ahead with an ambitious plan to complete all remaining negotiations with the European Union by the end of 2026, potentially bringing the country closer than ever to full EU membership. The government has set the end of this year as the target for temporarily closing all 33 negotiating chapters in its EU accession process, as part of a broader strategy aimed at preparing Montenegro for possible membership in 2028.
Montenegro has already opened all 33 negotiating chapters, making it the most advanced EU candidate country in the Western Balkans. By July 2026, 18 chapters had been provisionally closed, while two more, covering competition policy and the customs union, were closed at an intergovernmental conference in Brussels on July 14. The government has prepared a detailed program for completing the remaining work, with 581 planned measures covering legislation, strategic documents and reforms across all chapters. Major areas still requiring work include food safety, transportation, the free movement of goods, fisheries, environmental protection and fundamental rights.
The rule of law remains one of the most important challenges. Chapters 23 and 24, covering the judiciary, fundamental rights, justice, freedom and security, are among the most sensitive parts of the accession process. Montenegro still needs to demonstrate concrete progress in judicial reform, institutional independence and the fight against corruption. European officials have welcomed the country’s progress but continue to stress that adopting legislation is not enough and that reforms must be properly implemented. Chief EU negotiator Predrag Zenović has said the draft accession treaty could be finalized toward the end of 2026, while European Affairs Minister Maida Gorčević has expressed confidence that the remaining chapters can be completed according to the government’s timetable.
Closing all 33 chapters would not automatically make Montenegro an EU member. After negotiations are completed, an accession treaty must still be finalized and signed before being ratified by Montenegro and all EU member states. However, completing the negotiating process would represent a major milestone and could place Montenegro firmly on track for its 2028 membership goal. The coming months will therefore be crucial as Podgorica works to complete reforms, meet Brussels’ requirements and maintain political momentum. If the current pace continues, Montenegro could enter 2027 having completed the main negotiating phase and preparing for the final steps toward becoming the next member of the European Union.
