The European Union and Montenegro have provisionally closed three more chapters, specifically in the areas of economic and monetary policy (Chapter 17), statistics (Chapter 18), and social policy and employment (Chapter 19).
This brings the total number of provisionally closed chapters for Montenegro to 21 out of 33. A joint press conference was addressed by the Commissioner for Enlargement, Marta Kos, the Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence of Ireland (representing the Irish Presidency of the Council of the EU), Thomas Byrne, and the Prime Minister of Montenegro, Milojko Spajić.
Speaking on behalf of the Irish Presidency of the Council of the EU, the Irish Minister for European Affairs and Defence stated that he was proud that Montenegro had provisionally closed three more negotiating chapters and was making progress towards closing all remaining ones.
"Enlargement is a geopolitical necessity for the EU and remains one of the main priorities of the Irish presidency," he said.
He added that the EU is laying the groundwork for the accession of the next member state, noting that the adoption of conclusions regarding the financial package for Montenegro's EU accession represented another major milestone in the process.
"By the end of the month, we expect to confirm the positive momentum regarding Montenegro's candidacy," the minister added.
These provisional closures follow the previous accession conference held on 14 July 2026, where Chapter 8 (Competition Policy) and Chapter 29 (Customs Union) were provisionally closed.
Monitoring of Montenegro's progress in aligning with and implementing the EU acquis will continue throughout the entire negotiation process.
Spajić: Montenegro is a constructive member, Europe can count on it
At the press conference, Prime Minister Milojko Spajić stated that closing these three chapters established a clear framework for economic and monetary stability, creating better conditions for work and greater inclusion.
He noted that the Government had fulfilled all obligations regarding the final stages of negotiations, emphasizing that wisdom and compromise are necessary to conclude this process.
"A strong, independent, and united Europe now means a better future for its citizens. We are moving forward together towards 2028," Spajić said.
EU Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos stated that reforms within the three closed chapters bring concrete benefits to Montenegro. She also highlighted that hard work has brought the country to the final steps towards EU accession.
She urged the Government and the opposition to cooperate, make compromises, and take responsibility for decisions that need to be made urgently, warning that failure to do so could jeopardise the nation's future.
"We want Montenegro to join the EU as a state with equal rights to all other members," Kos said.
Responding to a journalist's question regarding her message to Montenegrin politicians ahead of tomorrow's vote on constitutional amendments, Kos stressed that political stability and cross-party cooperation are essential.
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When asked about unresolved issues between Montenegro and Croatia, Spajić remarked that without Croatia, closing these three chapters would not have been possible. He highlighted that the two nations are NATO partners who engage in very active bilateral discussions daily. He added that while many open questions and issues remain, he is confident they will be able to resolve them to mutual satisfaction.
Spajić concluded that Montenegro is a constructive member and that Europe can rely on it.
"I believe it is time to move forward. I hope Montenegro will serve as a beacon for all countries on this path," Spajić said.
Montenegro has provisionally closed 21 negotiating chapters
Montenegro has opened all 33 negotiating chapters in its accession talks with the European Union. Following today's provisional closure of three chapters, a total of 21 chapters have been provisionally closed to date.
In accordance with the negotiating principles adopted by the Accession Conference, agreements reached during negotiations on individual chapters cannot be considered final until a comprehensive agreement is reached across all chapters.
If necessary, the EU may revisit these chapters at an appropriate stage.
(EUpravo zato)