Brussels (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – The EU Commission plans to form a technical group for Montenegro’s EU Accession Agreement, emphasizing political consensus and progress.
In order to draft the Accession Agreement with Montenegro, the European Commission will propose to the European Council the formation of a technical working group. According to Montenegrin media, this is summarised in the draft Progress Report on Montenegro, which the Commission will present on 30 Oct 2024.
Also, Montenegrin media, quoting diplomatic sources from Brussels acquainted with the draft, reports that Montenegro could acquire a proposal for a new financial package as early as the fall of next year, provided it sustains comprehensive progress in its preparations for European Union (EU) enlargement.
What is the eu commission’s plan for Montenegro?
The draft report says that the European Commission is ready to sustain the country’s goal of closing several negotiating chapters by the end of the year. Diplomatic sources from Brussels stress that the European Commission will remain determined to Montenegro’s ambitious schedule throughout 2025 if all requirements are met.
The draft also states that maintaining broad political agreement on key reforms is essential for Montenegro’s further improvement on its path to the EU. The Progress Report is the most significant document for evaluating the achievements of candidate nations on their way to EU membership. The enlargement package for all candidate nations will be published today, following acceptance by the College of Commissioners.
How has Montenegro progressed in eu negotiations so far?
In 2006 Montenegro’s parliament proclaimed independence from the State Union of Serbia and Montenegro. In 2008, the new country applied for EU membership. In 2010, the Commission gave a favourable idea on Montenegro’s application, identifying 7 critical priorities that would need to be addressed for negotiations to start, and the Council granted it candidate status.
In December 2011, the Council established the accession process intending to open negotiations in June 2012. The accession negotiations with Montenegro began on 29 June 2012.
