Montenegro Advances EU Membership Talks with Key Negotiation Closure

Montenegro will close another chapter in its negotiations for European Union membership during a government conference in Brussels on January 26, 2024. This announcement was made by the Ministry of European Affairs of Montenegro, marking a significant step in the country’s path towards EU integration.

During a government session, Maida Gorčević, the Minister of European Affairs, expressed optimism about this development. She described the upcoming chapter closure as a crucial event, stating, “This is more than good news for Montenegro. With strong winds at our back, we are entering the most important year in our integration journey.” The chapter being closed is Chapter 32, which focuses on financial supervision.

Chapter 32 pertains to the adoption of internationally accepted standards in public internal financial control, external auditing, and best practices from the EU. It emphasizes the application of these standards across the public sector, ensuring discipline and transparency in the utilization of national and EU funds.

Gorčević highlighted the positive engagement from Cyprus, which currently holds the presidency of the EU Council. She noted that by scheduling the intergovernmental conference with Montenegro early in the year, Cyprus has reaffirmed its commitment to the goal of Montenegro’s EU membership by 2028.

“The fact that not only Cyprus, as the presiding member, but also all other EU member states voted for the closure of another chapter with Montenegro at the start of this year genuinely confirms their dedication to the expansion and strengthening of the European Union,” Gorčević remarked. She emphasized that this collective support from EU member states clearly demonstrates their determination for Montenegro to become the 28th member by 2028.

The closure of this chapter signifies an important advancement in Montenegro’s EU accession process, highlighting the country’s ongoing efforts to align with EU standards and practices. This development could enhance Montenegro’s readiness for future negotiations and strengthen its position within the EU framework.

As Montenegro prepares for this pivotal conference, the focus remains on implementing the necessary reforms to meet EU criteria, with the hope that these steps will solidify its membership aspirations in the coming years.