Montenegro takes steps towards EU

TT

Published 18.50

EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos and Montenegrin Prime Minister Milojko Spajic at a meeting in the capital Podgorica in March. Archive photo. Photo: Risto Bozovic/AP/TT

EU countries have agreed to draw up an accession agreement with Montenegro – a major step on the road to membership.

“Congratulations Montenegro. . . For the first time since 2013, the EU is starting the clock for the next enlargement,” writes Council President António Costa on Blue Sky and X after the decision by the 27 member states’ ambassadors in Brussels.

Montenegro has been negotiating membership since 2012, but has only gained new momentum in recent years. At the moment, 14 out of 35 so-called negotiation chapters have been completed, with hopes of completing the rest by this year or 2027. Becoming a member also requires final approval from all current EU countries.

The last time the EU gained a new member was when Croatia joined on 1 July 2013.