Montenegro’s path toward European Union membership has encountered a significant setback.
Long regarded as the frontrunner among the Western Balkan countries for EU accession, Montenegro has now been blocked by Croatia, raising fresh doubts about its goal of joining the European Union by 2028.
Croatia has vetoed the closure of Chapter 31, which covers the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy.
Zagreb presented Podgorica with a list of six conditions, including the prosecution of war crimes and the resolution of property claims submitted by Croatian citizens.
Croatia has urged Montenegro to engage in constructive dialogue to resolve outstanding bilateral issues.
According to Zagreb, the European Union should not import unresolved bilateral disputes, arguing that such issues must be settled before a country advances further in the accession process.
The move came shortly after a visit by European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos, who met with Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković and Foreign Minister Gordan Grlić Radman, who is currently in the Albanian capital.
