EP report: Montenegro, the most advanced country on the path to the EU

The European Parliament's Foreign Policy Committee approved the annual report on Montenegro, in which the country is considered the most advanced state in the process of joining the European Union.

The report calls for further strengthening of the independence and efficiency of the justice system, as well as for sustainable results in the fight against high-level corruption and organized crime.

It also emphasizes the need to reduce the number of pending court cases and to fully harmonize visa policy with that of the European Union.

The author of the report, MEP Marjan Sharec, warned that Montenegro faces a very challenging year.

“Time is limited, and there is still work to be done. This report should serve as recognition of progress so far and as encouragement for the period ahead. Above all, it should be understood as a call for all stakeholders to show wisdom and responsibility, so that petty disagreements do not obscure – or divert – progress towards broader strategic objectives,” Sharec said after the vote.

The report calls on all state institutions to ensure that political differences do not delay the adoption and implementation of reforms related to the European Union.

It is emphasized that EU membership should remain a common national priority, above party interests, while the Parliament and Government of Montenegro are urged not to let identity issues distract attention from the European process.

The document states that, although Montenegro is the most advanced country in the integration process and close to closing the negotiation chapters, progress does not depend only on technical reforms, but also on daily political developments and internal tensions, which often slow down the process of approximation with EU standards.

So far, Montenegro has provisionally closed 14 out of 33 negotiation chapters in the EU accession process.

The country's goal is to close all chapters by the end of this year, in order to pave the way for possible membership by the end of 2028.

For the successful conclusion of the negotiations, the report states, it is essential to maintain political consensus on the European path and ensure constructive cooperation between the Government and the opposition.

Sustained results in the area of ​​the rule of law and effective implementation of reforms have been set as key conditions for the closure of chapters 23 and 24.

Last month, the European Union decided to establish a working group that will work on drafting the draft text of the Accession Agreement with Montenegro.

Montenegro is expected to appoint faster and more transparently the holders of functions in the justice system, including judges of the Constitutional Court and members of the Judicial and Prosecutorial Councils.

It also highlights the need for further approximation of legislation with EU standards, regarding the independence and professionalism of the justice system, as well as for reducing the number of unresolved court cases – especially in cases of corruption and organized crime.

The report also expresses concern about foreign interference, disinformation and hybrid threats, while calling on Montenegro to further strengthen the stability of its institutions.

The document assesses the compatibility of Montenegro's foreign and security policy with that of the European Union.

After voting in the European Parliament's Foreign Policy Committee, this report is expected to be voted on in the plenary session during June, when it will take the form of a resolution of this institution. /REL