Montenegro has made the most progress among Western Balkan countries in its bid to join the European Union, European Parliament lawmakers said on Tuesday, but they warned that continued political commitment and reforms are essential to complete accession talks.
The European Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee (AFET) discussed a draft annual report on Montenegro, with David McAllister, the committee chair, highlighting that the country is furthest along in the negotiations but must maintain momentum.
Marjan Šarec, the parliament’s rapporteur on Montenegro, said the draft report recognizes “tangible progress” over the past year but stressed that the decisive phase is still ahead.
“Final success will depend on sustainable results in the rule of law, political stability, and the ability to prioritize the strategic goal of EU membership over day-to-day politics,” Šarec said. “If such maturity is maintained, completing accession negotiations by the end of 2026 is achievable.”
Lawmakers emphasized that chapters 23 and 24, covering the judiciary and fundamental rights, remain the most critical criteria for progress. The report calls for faster and more transparent judicial appointments, strengthened independence of courts and prosecution, and sustained efforts to combat high-level corruption and organized crime. Reducing backlogs and aligning visa policies with EU standards were also highlighted.
The document praises recent democratic reforms, including amendments to electoral legislation, improvements in campaign finance oversight, and increased female representation. However, it underscores the need for constructive political dialogue and cooperation between government and parliament, noting that reforms cannot succeed without a stable political environment.
The report also points to challenges in media freedom, civil society engagement, and hybrid threats, urging Montenegro to enhance institutional resilience. Its foreign and security policy alignment with the EU was commended.
Montenegro has temporarily closed 13 of the 33 EU negotiating chapters. Lawmakers said closing the remaining chapters this year is feasible if reforms continue, paving the way for possible EU membership by 2028.
The draft report will be voted on in AFET in May and subsequently at the European Parliament plenary session in June, when it is expected to be adopted as a resolution.