European Commission optimistic: Montenegro could conclude EU accession talks by the end of 2026

The European Union could conclude accession talks with Montenegro by the end of 2026, and the accession treaty could be signed in June 2027, according to the European Commission’s annual report on enlargement policy.

The European Commission considers it realistic for Montenegro to complete the negotiations by the end of this year, following progress in implementing the reforms required for accession. The EU institution highlighted the sustained efforts of the authorities in Podgorica to advance along the European path.

If the negotiations are concluded according to the indicated timetable, the treaty will have to be ratified by all 27 European Union member states. The document is expected to be signed in June 2027.

Ratification could allow Montenegro to join the EU in 2028, but the timetable depends on completing the procedures and maintaining the pace of reforms.

This is the first time since 2011, when the European Union concluded accession talks with Croatia, that the bloc has been in a position to soon finalize negotiations with another candidate country.