Brussels launches key step toward Montenegro’s EU entry process

Ambassadors of European Union member states have approved the establishment of an ad hoc working group to prepare an Accession Treaty with Montenegro.

It was confirmed by the Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the EU, CE Report quotes FENA.

The decision was taken at a meeting of the Committee of Permanent Representatives (COREPER), and the Presidency noted that the aim is to begin as soon as possible the technically demanding process of drafting the accession treaty, reports Radio and Television of Montenegro.

“The Cypriot Presidency has worked intensively to ensure that the working group is established in the shortest possible time, especially given the extensive technical work that precedes the drafting of the Accession Treaty. We are confident that this will send a clear message that accession is achievable for partners in the enlargement process,” said a spokesperson for the Cypriot Presidency.

Montenegrin Minister for European Affairs Maida Gorčević described this as a key step forward in the final stage of the negotiation process.

“Great news is coming from Brussels. The formation of the working group for drafting Montenegro’s Accession Treaty to the EU is yet another confirmation that we are on the right path for Montenegro to become the 28th member of the European Union by 2028,” Gorčević said, adding that this marks a historic moment and a clear signal of strong EU support for the country’s reforms so far.

EU Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos previously stated that the accession treaty with Montenegro will include new safeguard mechanisms.

“Safeguard clauses are not new, but this approach introduces certain changes and is linked to pre-accession policy review. The European Union must prepare itself institutionally, politically, and financially,” Kos said before the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the European Parliament.

Montenegro has so far closed 14 negotiation chapters in its EU accession process.

Foto: RTCG