European Commission: Montenegro could complete EU accession talks by end of 2026

Brussels, Belgium. The European Commission said on Wednesday that the EU could finish membership talks with Montenegro before this year ends and could sign an accession treaty with the country as early as June 2027.

Commission points to a first since 2011

In its annual enlargement policy report, the Commission noted that the EU has not been close to concluding talks with a candidate since Croatia in 2011. It said: “For the first time since 2011, when the EU closed accession negotiations with Croatia, the EU is in a position to soon close accession negotiations with another candidate country, Montenegro.”

Related: EUI professor urges Europe to judge innovation by results, not by disruption

RelatedEUI professor urges Europe to judge innovation by results, not by disruption

The Commission described this as proof of Montenegro’s persistent efforts to move forward on its European path and carry out the reforms needed to make membership a reality. It added that it considers a conclusion of the talks by the end of 2026 to be realistic.

Montenegro’s target and the ratification process

Montenegro has a population of only 630,000 and aims to become the 28th EU member in 2028. Membership requires all 27 current member states to ratify an accession treaty.

The Commission said that in the coming weeks and months, Montenegro must stay focused on finishing its preparations for membership. It must also sustain the reforms already adopted and secure continuous support for its EU path from all political parties.

Other frontrunners

The EU regards Montenegro as the candidate closest to joining. Albania, Ukraine and Moldova are also seen as leading candidates.

Assessing Albania, the Commission said that cooperation among parties and inclusive, constructive dialogue in parliament and with civil society are needed to advance key EU reforms. It linked this to the ongoing protests in the country, which it described as the largest since Albania’s democratic transition.

The Commission also said Albania must keep adopting key reforms to meet the benchmarks for closing every negotiating chapter. This is important if Albania is to reach its target of closing negotiations by the end of 2027, which the Commission called ambitious but achievable.