The President of the European Council, Antonio Costa, has officially congratulated Montenegro on reaching a historic turning point in its journey toward European Union membership. In a statement released via social media, Costa confirmed that the EU has formally initiated the process for its next expansion—the first such move in over a decade.
A Major Leap for the Western Balkans
The breakthrough comes as EU member states reached a consensus to establish a dedicated Working Group for the drafting of Montenegro’s Accession Treaty. This legal step is the definitive precursor to a candidate country becoming a full member of the Union.
President Costa emphasized the gravity of this moment, noting that it marks a revitalization of the EU’s enlargement policy which has been largely stagnant since the last member joined.
“Congratulations to Montenegro – today we took a major step toward your membership in the European Union. The decision to create the Working Group to draft the new Accession Treaty is a key moment,” Costa stated.
Ending a 13-Year Standstill
One of the most significant aspects of Costa’s announcement was the confirmation that this represents the first active expansion process since 2013, when Croatia became the 28th (now 27th) member of the bloc.
By initiating the drafting of the treaty, the EU is signaling to the Western Balkans and the international community that the “Enlargement Door” is once again open for countries that meet the rigorous criteria for rule of law and democratic standards.
Key Takeaways from the Announcement
- Institutional Shift: The creation of the Working Group moves the process from political dialogue to formal legal drafting.
- Montenegro as the Trailblazer: As the first country to reach this stage in over ten years, Montenegro sets the pace for other aspirants in the region.
- Geopolitical Signal: The move reaffirms the EU’s commitment to integrating the Western Balkans amidst heightening global tensions.
This development aligns with recent statements from the European Commission, reinforcing a timeline that could see Montenegro fully integrated within the next few years, provided the remaining technical criteria are finalized.
