The Policy Briefing titled "EU Enlargement in the New Era: Montenegro's Perspective" took place in Brussels on 24 April, organised by the European Policy Centre (EPC). At the event, Montenegro’s Minister for European Affairs, Maida Gorčević, presented the latest progress the country has made on its path to EU membership.
The discussion with Corina Stratulat, Associate Director and Head of the European Politics and Institutions Programme at EPC, focused on the achievements Montenegro has made since June 2024. That month, it became the first candidate country to receive a positive Interim Benchmark Assessment Report (IBAR), enabling the closure of three negotiating chapters in December of the same year - after seven years of no significant progress in the accession process. Montenegro has now closed six out of a total of 33 chapters.
Minister Gorčević explained to EUpravo zato how she views the enlargement process in the current geopolitical climate:
"Geopolitics has always played a role in shaping or unlocking the enlargement process. If we look at what has been happening since Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, it has repositioned the enlargement policy, opening doors not just for Montenegro, but for all candidate countries.
By recognising the geopolitical moment, we also recognised a momentum within Montenegro - political will to implement certain reforms, and ultimately to mobilise the entire country. When I say the entire country, I don’t just mean the work of the Government, but also of Parliament, the judiciary, and society as a whole, because 80 percent of our citizens expect us to make Montenegro the next EU member state.
I believe that, as a country, we have approached this task with great responsibility - making the most of the geopolitical situation, but not relying solely on it. Our progress is grounded in the results expected of us. The enlargement process is based on the merit principle, which is often highlighted by both EU member states and the European Commission. It is on this basis that we can proudly say Montenegro received the IBAR last year, closed three chapters, and that this year we are already discussing the final stretch - closing the remaining chapters. According to our agenda and plan, we aim to complete this by the end of 2026. So, by combining geopolitics with dedicated and diligent work, I truly believe Montenegro can seize this historic opportunity."
The ambition of Montenegro’s new government, which took office in 2023 and clearly set its goal of closing all negotiation chapters by 2026 and achieving full EU membership by 2028, has received approval and support from the European Commission. The Commission sees Montenegro as the country with the most tangible institutional capacity and political will to complete the enlargement process.
Participants also discussed Montenegro’s expectations within the broader context of European political dynamics, as well as the EU’s role in maintaining stability and encouraging reforms across the region. Particular attention was given to the sustainability of reform momentum and the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans.
"The Growth Plan serves as a type of motivation, not only for Montenegro but for the entire region. Whenever there is financial support from the European Union, it helps countries deliver results and motivates candidate states to undertake necessary reforms - whether that’s on the path toward gradual EU membership or not. The benefits that our citizens see and expect make it easier to communicate the advantages we will have once we are full EU members," said Maida Gorčević.
As she pointed out, for Montenegro, the Growth Plan goes hand in hand with the negotiation process, alongside SEPA membership and engagement in regional initiatives. Through the reforms driven by the Growth Plan and the funding Montenegro is set to receive - starting with the first tranche in early May - the country is preparing to close negotiation chapters, which remains the main priority.
"The Growth Plan, from the perspective of someone coming from Montenegro, is viewed as a supporting tool and an accelerator for what we need, but never as the primary or main objective. I believe that the countries which have adopted the Reform Agenda will recognise and make good use of this. I think it’s a strong initiative to keep the region united - not only through regional initiatives but also through leadership summits, ministerial meetings, and a platform where we share information not just about the Growth Plan, but about the entire process, together with the European Commission. The EC designed the Growth Plan specifically to help keep the region together, because the region itself is extremely important to the European Union. I believe this may guide us to integrate into the EU more quickly, more effectively, and with greater impact," added Minister Gorčević.
Organisers noted that direct meetings like these with European decision-makers contribute to a better understanding of the region’s challenges and potential, while also strengthening political trust - an essential component for future EU enlargement.
Speaking on the enlargement process in the current geopolitical context, Corina Stratulat also shared her views.
"I think enlargement remains as relevant as ever, and the geopolitical momentum that began with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is ongoing. The situation remains highly tense and has very serious implications - especially from a security standpoint for the EU. I believe the EU and its member states must give the enlargement policy the attention and consideration it deserves and bring it to fruition.
We recently published a report arguing that enlargement is a critical imperative - not only as a response to the current geopolitical situation but also as a potential catalyst for the EU to pursue internal reforms.
It’s not the only catalyst, of course, because the times we live in, and the various challenges the EU faces, require the Union to adapt and continue reforming in order to stay relevant and effective. But enlargement could serve as a specific stimulus to deepen integration and advance changes to the policies and tools through which the EU acts, to better respond to this new reality."
