European Commission targets 2026 for concluding Montenegro's EU accession negotiations

The European Commission announced in its annual enlargement report that Montenegro could realistically conclude its EU accession negotiations by the end of 2026. This milestone would mark the first time since Croatia's completion of talks in 2011 that a candidate country reaches this stage. The nation of 630,000 residents aims to become the 28th member of the European Union by 2028, pending the ratification of an accession treaty by all 27 existing member states. European High Representative Kaja Kallas emphasized that this progress is a direct result of implemented reforms and a necessary investment in European security.

Beyond Montenegro, the Commission introduced new indicative roadmaps for Albania, Moldova, and Ukraine, alongside a framework for gradual integration into strategic sectors. The latest report highlights that the current international security climate necessitates an accelerated approach to enlargement. European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos noted that the process has yielded significant results this year, with a particular focus on security and defense within the new reporting structure. Montenegro is expected to remain committed to its reform agenda in the coming months as the final steps toward the potential June 2027 signing of an accession treaty are prepared.