Montenegro has taken another step toward European Union membership after provisionally closing three additional negotiating chapters at an intergovernmental conference with the EU in Brussels.
The chapters cover economic and monetary policy (Chapter 17), statistics (Chapter 18), and social policy and employment (Chapter 19).
Montenegrin Prime Minister Milojko Spajić said the closure of the three chapters established a clearer framework for economic and monetary stability.
“These steps mean better protection for citizens and their rights, improved working conditions, greater employment opportunities and stronger social inclusion,” Spajić said at a press conference.
European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos said the reforms covered by the three chapters would bring tangible benefits to Montenegro.
“Hard work has brought the country to the final steps toward joining the EU,” Kos said.
She urged the Montenegrin government and opposition to cooperate, make compromises and take responsibility for decisions that need to be made urgently. Failure to do so, she warned, could put the country’s future at risk.
“We want Montenegro to join as a country with equal rights to those of the other member states,” Kos said.
Ireland’s Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence, Thomas Byrne, also welcomed the progress, emphasizing that the EU was ready to welcome Montenegrin citizens as members of the bloc.
Montenegro’s accession process, he said, demonstrates that further EU enlargement is achievable and can be a success.
“Today, we are sending a clear message: the EU is preparing the ground for its next member state,” Byrne said.
He also described the adoption of conclusions concerning the financial package for Montenegro’s EU accession as another important milestone. Byrne added that further confirmation of positive momentum surrounding Montenegro’s candidacy was expected by the end of the month.
The closure of the three chapters marks further progress in Montenegro’s EU accession negotiations. However, the country must complete the remaining chapters and meet the necessary requirements before it can become a member of the bloc.
