European Union Moves to Draft Accession Treaty for Montenegro in Landmark Step Toward Membership

BY Zoey

European Union member states have agreed to begin drafting an accession treaty for Montenegro, marking a significant procedural milestone in the Western Balkan nation’s long-running effort to join the bloc and signalling what EU officials describe as renewed momentum in the enlargement process.

The decision, taken on Wednesday, authorises the establishment of a working group tasked with preparing the legal framework that would eventually govern Montenegro’s entry into the European Union.

While the move does not guarantee membership or set a binding timetable, it represents one of the most advanced stages in the accession process and reflects what EU institutions say is sustained progress by Podgorica in meeting membership criteria.

European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos described the development as a major step forward for Montenegro’s European path, framing it as both recognition of reforms already undertaken and an incentive to accelerate remaining changes.

In comments posted on social media platform X, she said the decision acknowledged the country’s progress and encouraged further efforts to strengthen institutional standards, governance, and alignment with EU rules.

Kos also indicated that the drafting process would allow the European Union to reflect on lessons learned from previous enlargement rounds. According to her remarks, the process would be used to consider how future accession treaties might incorporate more robust safeguards aimed at preventing backsliding in areas such as judicial independence, rule of law compliance, and adherence to fundamental democratic values once countries join the bloc.

Montenegro has set an informal target of 2028 for completing its accession process, although EU officials have repeatedly emphasised that timelines remain conditional on sustained reforms and unanimous agreement among existing member states.

The country has been engaged in accession negotiations for years, steadily advancing through various policy chapters covering areas such as judiciary reform, competition policy, and public administration.

A former republic of the now-dissolved Yugoslavia, Montenegro declared independence in 2006 following a referendum and has since oriented its foreign policy strongly toward European integration and NATO membership.

With a population of roughly 600,000, it is one of the smaller candidate countries in the EU enlargement process, but officials in Brussels have often cited it as one of the more advanced aspirants in the Western Balkans.

The establishment of the working group to draft the accession treaty is intended to formalise and structure the next stage of negotiations. While such treaties are typically concluded only when all accession criteria have been fully met, beginning the drafting process is widely viewed within EU institutions as a strong political signal of confidence in a candidate country’s trajectory.

European Council President António Costa welcomed the decision, congratulating Montenegro and describing the formation of the working party as an important milestone in the country’s European integration path. His remarks underscored the broader political message from EU leadership that enlargement remains a strategic priority, particularly in relation to stabilising and integrating the Western Balkans.

Despite the positive signals, officials familiar with the process note that accession remains contingent on continued reforms within Montenegro and the agreement of all 27 EU member states. Enlargement decisions require unanimity, and individual countries retain the ability to slow or block progress if concerns arise over governance, corruption, or alignment with EU standards.

The latest development comes at a time when the European Union has sought to reinvigorate its enlargement agenda amid shifting geopolitical conditions and increased competition for influence in the Balkans from other global actors. EU officials have repeatedly argued that credible membership pathways for candidate countries remain a key instrument for promoting long-term stability, democratic consolidation, and economic development in the region.

For Montenegro, the decision to begin drafting an accession treaty represents both symbolic recognition and a practical step forward in a process that has already spanned nearly two decades. However, the ultimate outcome will depend on the pace and depth of reforms in the coming years, as well as the political willingness within the European Union to expand further.