An accession treaty with stronger safeguard mechanisms is not an expression of distrust towards candidates for membership of the European Union (EU), but rather a lesson learned from previous enlargements and part of a broader policy of preserving the stability and credibility of the EU, believes Maida Gorčević. Commenting on the latest messages from Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos regarding EU enlargement, she said that Montenegro views this as a framework that strengthens mutual trust, not as a restriction.
Speaking at an enlargement conference in Tallinn, Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos said that Montenegro’s accession treaty with the EU should be the first in a "new generation" of treaties, with stronger safeguard mechanisms which, in the event of backsliding in the rule of law, would "have teeth" and "act seriously". She also stated that there must be no "Trojan horses" and that the EU must be safeguarded against regression.
"The lesson from 2004 is that we must have safeguard mechanisms to ensure that new members adhere to the rules and that the integrity of our Union is preserved, even after five, ten, or 20 years," Kos said, adding that if the EU cannot provide convincing answers on this point, it will not have the public support necessary for enlargement.
Responding to a question from Vijesti daily as to whether a "new generation" of treaties with stronger safeguard mechanisms is acceptable to her, Gorčević said that, given that Montenegro’s negotiations with the EU have been conducted under the new methodology since 2020, it is entirely natural for the Accession Treaty to be "adapted to that methodology and to the circumstances in which the Union now finds itself".
"The last enlargement of the EU was 13 years ago, when Croatia became a member in 2013. Since then, numerous internal and foreign policy circumstances have changed, from security challenges and geopolitical crises to the experience the Union itself has gained in preserving its fundamental values," she assessed.
As she added, it was precisely this experience that led to changes in the negotiating framework.
"A new structure of negotiations was introduced through clusters, with a particular focus on the fundamentals cluster, namely the rule of law. More precise mechanisms for monitoring progress in this area have also been developed, such as IBAR, thereby ensuring that reforms are measurable and sustainable. In that context, it is understandable that the Accession Treaty itself reflects this new reality and includes stronger safeguard mechanisms that could be activated in the event of serious backsliding. This is not an expression of distrust towards candidates, but a lesson learned from previous enlargements and part of a broader policy of safeguarding the stability and credibility of the Union," Gorčević explained.
According to her, Montenegro sees this as a framework that strengthens mutual trust rather than as a limitation.
"Our goal is sustainable and responsible membership, based on consistent respect for European rules and values," Gorčević believes.
She also confirmed that discussions on this topic are ongoing with representatives of the European Commission, as well as with EU Member States, since the drafting of the Accession Treaty is a process that requires the full involvement of both the Commission and the Member States.
"At this moment, the focus is on technical and legal preparations for the start of drafting the Treaty, including the establishment of working groups, one on the Montenegrin side and another representing the EU. These groups will examine in detail all issues arising from future membership, including Montenegro’s rights and obligations as a Member State," the minister said.
Gorčević added that consultations are also underway with Cyprus, which currently holds the presidency of the Council of the EU, in order to ensure that the process begins promptly.
"It is important to stress that the accession treaty is not viewed in isolation, but as the final stage of a multi-year process of alignment with the acquis and European standards. Our approach is open and constructive; our aim is for all issues to be precisely defined and agreed, so that Montenegro’s membership is stable, sustainable, and fully aligned with EU rules and values," the minister stated.
EU negotiations began in 2012
Montenegro began negotiations with the EU in 2012 and has so far provisionally closed 13 out of a total of 33 chapters. The most recent achievement was the closure of Chapter 32 in January 2026. The Government’s objective is to close all remaining chapters this year so that the country may become an EU member in 2028.
Gorčević recently paid a visit to Cyprus, from where it was announced that, during its presidency of the Council of the European Union, the country would provide full support to enable Montenegro to close negotiation chapters in which the final benchmarks have been met and to ensure the start of drafting the Accession Treaty with Montenegro.
(EUpravo zato.rs)