Montenegro closes three EU negotiation chapters and seeks to finish accession this year

Montenegro has closed three more negotiation chapters in its EU accession talks, raising the total number of chapters closed to 21. The decisions were taken at an intergovernmental conference on EU accession and covered Economic and Monetary Policy, Statistics, and Social Policy and Employment.

EU officials urge rapid reforms as momentum builds

Prime Minister Milojko Spajic said the newly closed chapters create a clearer framework for economic and monetary stability. He added that the measures will improve protection for citizens and expand labor-market opportunities.

"We have better protection of citizens and rights, better working conditions, greater opportunities for employment and social inclusion," Spajic said at a press conference.

Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos voiced full EU support for Montenegro's aim to finish accession negotiations by the end of this year. "We support your ambition, now is the decisive moment," she said, urging quick action on outstanding reforms related to the rule of law and constitutional changes.

Irish Minister for European Affairs and Defence Thomas Bern highlighted Montenegro's progress as proof that EU enlargement can succeed and noted that adoption of conclusions on a financial package for Montenegro's accession was another milestone. "Today we send a clear message — the EU is preparing the ground for accession of its next member state. The adoption of these conclusions regarding the financial package for Montenegro's accession to the EU was also another important turning point in the accession process. By the end of the month we expect to confirm the positive momentum around Montenegro's candidacy," he said.

Answering a question about outstanding issues with Croatia, Spajic noted that without Croatia the three chapters would not have been closed.

Photo: press material from the event