Montenegro Achieves Significant Progress in EU Integration Report

Montenegro has received a positive assessment in the latest European Commission report, achieving an average score of 3.63. This marks a substantial improvement compared to the previous years, particularly in relation to the scores from 2023 and 2024. The report reinforces Montenegro’s status as a leader in the European Union (EU) integration process, a sentiment echoed by European Commissioner for Enlargement, Marta Kos, during a press conference in Brussels.

Kos emphasized that Montenegro is the most advanced candidate in the EU accession process, highlighting the tangible results achieved through necessary reforms over recent years. “Montenegro has made significant progress towards EU membership and is the best-prepared country for entry into the EU,” she stated. Similarly, Kaja Kalas, the head of EU diplomacy, noted that Montenegro is the most ready among all candidate countries for EU membership, suggesting that EU expansion in the coming years is a realistic prospect.

Montenegro received commendations for achieving top scores in six categories, with five chapters rated as “significant progress.” These chapters include Chapter 31 (EU’s foreign, security, and defense policy), Chapter 9 (financial services), Chapter 32 (financial supervision), Chapter 3 (right of establishment and freedom to provide services), Chapter 6 (economic law), and Chapter 7 (intellectual property law).

Record Readiness and Areas of Concern

Notably, the report indicates that Montenegro did not receive any “weak scores” this year, a significant change from the previous year when three chapters were marked as showing “no progress.” These chapters were Chapter 6 (economic law), Chapter 8 (competition policy), and Chapter 21 (trans-European networks).

The average readiness score, a measure of overall preparedness in specific areas, stands at 3.45, representing the highest level of readiness Montenegro has achieved to date. The European Commission also noted increased readiness in critical chapters, Chapter 23 (judiciary and fundamental rights) and Chapter 24 (justice, freedom, and security), indicating that these areas are closer to closing than in previous years.

Despite this positive trajectory, concerns remain, particularly regarding the performance in the aforementioned chapters. Both Chapter 23 and Chapter 24 received lower ratings compared to the previous year. The report highlights that these chapters continue to present significant challenges, with Chapter 23 earning a three, reflecting limited progress, while Chapter 24 was marked as having restricted progress.

Judicial Reforms and Anti-Corruption Efforts Required

The report stresses the importance of judicial appointments based on merit, particularly in the context of obligations under Chapters 23 and 24. Montenegro’s ongoing struggle to achieve meaningful progress in the rule of law is a cause for concern. The European Commission’s report specifically calls for transparent procedures in filling judicial positions, which now includes recommendations for both the Judicial and Prosecutorial Councils in addition to the Constitutional Court.

Moreover, the report outlines concrete recommendations to enhance the effective functioning of the judiciary. These include measures to reduce backlog cases across the judicial system, with particular attention to the High Court in Podgorica, the Administrative Court of Montenegro, and the Special State Prosecutor’s Office. The outcomes of these measures will be closely monitored in the next report.

In the fight against corruption, the Commission underscores the necessity of improving the balance of investigations and convictions for high-level corruption. Specific laws require amendment to prevent unjustified delays in criminal proceedings. The Commission also emphasizes the importance of improving oversight of the implementation of recommendations from the State Audit Institution and identifies challenges in monitoring the execution of the Anti-Corruption Strategy.

In summary, while Montenegro has made significant advancements in its EU integration journey, the need for sustained efforts in the judiciary and anti-corruption measures remains critical. The European Commission’s recommendations serve as a roadmap for Montenegro’s continued progress towards EU membership.