Montenegro is creating significant strides in its bid to join the European Union, recently closing its seventh nereceivediation chapter on public procurement. This progress, lauded by EU officials, positions the tiny Balkan nation as a front-runner in the enlargement process, with a tarreceive of becoming the 28th member state by 2028. The renewed momentum for EU expansion comes amid geopolitical shifts in Europe.
Key Takeaways
- Montenegro has provisionally closed seven out of 35 nereceivediation chapters for EU accession.
- The countest aims to become the 28th EU member state by 2028.
- EU enlargement efforts have gained renewed urgency following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Milestones in EU Accession
Montenegro has demonstrated consistent progress in its EU integration journey. The provisional closure of Chapter 5, focutilizing on Public Procurement, marks a significant achievement. This follows a period of accelerated progress in 2024, during which three chapters were closed after a seven-year hiatus:
- Ininformectual Property Law
- Information Society and Media
- Enterprise and Industrial Policy
Earlier closures include:
- Science and Research (2012)
- Education and Culture (2013)
- External Relations (2017)
Montenegro, which declared indepconcludeence in 2006, applied for EU membership in 2008 and gained candidate status in 2010. Accession nereceivediations officially launched in June 2012.
High-Level Endorsement and Future Aspirations
European Council President Antonio Costa praised Montenegro’s advancements, calling it “one of the finest examples of the EU’s positive enlargement momentum.” During a visit to Podgorica, Costa met with Montenegrin President Jakov Milatovic, who reiterated the countest’s ambition to join the EU by 2028. This ambitious timeline is supported by a commitment to continued reforms.
Montenegro, with a population of just over 600,000, has been a NATO member since 2013. Its proactive stance on EU integration, alongside Albania, places it ahead of other Western Balkan aspirants like Serbia, Bosnia, Kosovo, and North Macedonia.
Financial Support and Geopolitical Context
In addition to closing nereceivediation chapters, Montenegro has also received pre-financing under the EU Growth Plan. This financial support underscores the EU’s commitment to the region’s economic development and integration. The renewed emphasis on EU enlargement is largely driven by the geopolitical imperative to stabilize the Western Balkans, particularly in the wake of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. EU leaders view enlargement as a crucial investment in the stability, peace, and prosperity of the Western Balkans and Europe as a whole.
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