Montenegro provisionally closed two additional chapters in its European Union accession negotiations on Monday, reinforcing its position as the most advanced Western Balkan candidate on the path toward membership.
At an Intergovernmental Conference in Luxembourg, Montenegro closed Chapter 2 on the Freedom of Movement of Workers and Chapter 28 on Consumer and Health Protection, both part of Cluster 2 of the EU accession framework.
European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos welcomed the development, describing it as evidence of Montenegro’s steady progress toward membership.
“The closure of these chapters demonstrates the tangible benefits of EU membership, including greater employment opportunities for citizens and stronger consumer and health protection standards,” Kos said.
She announced that the European Commission is expected to approve a financial package for Montenegro next week as part of preparations for the country’s accession process and implementation of reforms needed for membership.
Kos stressed that the rule of law, media freedom and democratic institutions remain fundamental pillars of the accession process and called on Montenegro’s political actors to maintain broad consensus around the country’s European agenda.
Montenegrin Prime Minister Milojko Spajić said the latest progress confirmed that commitment to reforms continues to deliver concrete results.
“Each closed chapter is proof that enlargement works when political will, reforms and commitment come together,” Spajić said.
He added that Montenegro has now provisionally closed nearly half of the negotiating chapters and remains on track to complete the process by the end of 2026.
“Montenegro neither delays nor improvises. We keep our promises and deliver results. Our goal is to close all remaining chapters by the end of this year and create the conditions for Montenegro to become the 28th member state of the European Union in 2028,” he said.
Cyprus’ Deputy Minister for European Affairs, Marilena Raouna, reiterated her country’s support for Montenegro’s accession ambitions, describing the country’s progress as a positive signal for the entire enlargement process.
Montenegro, which opened accession negotiations with the EU in 2012, is widely regarded by Brussels as the frontrunner among Western Balkan candidates seeking membership. The country’s progress is being closely watched as the European Union seeks to reinvigorate enlargement amid growing geopolitical challenges and renewed interest in integrating the Western Balkans.