Montenegro - last step to EU

After 14 years of persistent efforts, Montenegro has reached the concluding phase of its journey to join the European Union. In a landmark decision, representatives of the EU member states have given the green light to start preparing the formal Accession Treaty — this puts the country in the lead among all nations currently seeking membership.

Although the current progress is remarkable, achieving the 2028 target will require successfully implementing a number of critical reforms. The initiation of the accession treaty process represents the highest level of advancement any candidate country has reached so far.

Historical context: the negotiation process was launched back in 2012, and since then all 33 negotiation chapters have been officially opened. However, the most challenging tasks still lie ahead: strengthening the rule of law and stepping up the fight against corruption.

The 2028 action plan: according to Maida Gorčević, Minister of European Affairs, this is a pivotal moment for national reforms. Should Montenegro meet all the final criteria, it could join the EU as its 28th member state by 2028.

“We’re in the last segment of a journey that has spanned a decade. While technical activities are reaching their peak, unwavering political commitment to carry out profound reforms remains essential,” notes the official.

As Montenegro moves towards integration with a powerful economic and political alliance, the small country faces a key test: maintaining its strategic clarity and sense of purpose. Poor management of the integration process could expose the nation to significant risks — it might get swept away by the complex bureaucratic mechanisms and social dynamics of a much larger union.

It is crucial for the government to clearly distinguish between law‑abiding migrants — those who aim to boost the economy, fulfil their tax obligations, generate long‑term employment opportunities, and embrace shared cultural values — and the issues linked to illegal immigration, which has already caused difficulties in countries like the UK and France.

By carefully managing this transition — using EU security frameworks to effectively secure its borders against irregular migration while supporting those who make a genuine contribution to the country’s development — Montenegro could emerge as one of the world’s most thriving and well‑preserved small nations.

Through a thoughtful blend of integration and resolute preservation of its national identity, Montenegro holds the promise of becoming one of Europe’s last authentic treasures.

In summary: despite being closer than ever to EU accession, the remaining stages of this long process will demand exceptional effort and dedication. Let’s hope that Montenegro completes this journey victoriously, avoiding any serious setbacks along the way.