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The European Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee adopted the annual report on Montenegro on 13 May, with rapporteur Marjan Šarec (51 votes in favour, 7 against and 7 abstentions), Montenegrin media reported. MEPs recognized the country’s strong commitment to EU accession and the broad public and political support for this to happen by 2028. They confirmed Montenegro’s leading position in the EU accession process. MEPs welcomed Montenegro’s progress in implementing EU-related reforms and noted the continued high public support for EU accession. The report highlights the importance of aligning electoral legislation with EU standards, including campaign financing and supervision, and holding local elections on the same day.
MEPs call on all political actors in Montenegro to continue to focus on EU-related reforms and underline the need for political stability, institutional cooperation and consistent implementation of adopted laws.
At the same time, MEPs expressed concern about the pressure on journalists and civil society representatives, including the misuse of legal mechanisms to suppress freedom of expression. They also expressed serious concerns about malicious foreign interference, cyberattacks, hybrid threats and disinformation campaigns, warning that such efforts undermine public trust and the EU integration process. They condemned the “undue influence” of the Serbian Orthodox Church, warning that religious institutions can be used as tools for external political interference.
Commentary: Montenegro’s accession to the European Union is within reach during the current EP term, provided that reforms continue with determination. The European Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee adopted the annual report on Montenegro, praising the significant progress made by the Montenegrin government and confirming the country’s status as the most advanced EU candidate among the Western Balkan countries. However, it noted that consistent reforms in the areas of the rule of law, public administration and electoral legislation are essential for further progress in the European integration process.
Montenegro lost valuable time at the beginning of the year due to political instability, but repeated messages from senior EU officials confirm that the door to the Union remains open for Montenegro. The country is capable of regaining the momentum that previously brought it recognition across Europe. While this possibility is real, it is not guaranteed.
Montenegro’s governing majority is determined to continue progress in the European integration process, with Podgorica’s ambition to close all remaining negotiation chapters by the end of 2026 and become the next EU member state by 2028. This is not just a political goal, but the will of over 80% of Montenegrin citizens. Indicative of the government’s determination to achieve tangible results, the first tranche of nearly €27 million from the EU Growth Plan will be allocated to infrastructure and reforms. Several negotiation chapters are expected to be closed in June 2025.
However, the country faces a significant number of challenges on its path to EU membership. EU officials have been particularly critical of the recently signed agreements between Montenegro and the United Arab Emirates, expressing concerns about potentially problematic elements in the treaties and stressing the need to review the outstanding issues surrounding the deal, especially in light of the European Commission’s clearly defined position.
The opposition Democratic Party of Socialists also criticized the agreements with the UAE and also accused the ruling majority of prioritizing party interests over reforms, citing the controversial law on national radio and television and the four laws related to IBAR, which are already under review.
