Montenegro became an independent state following the dissolution of the Serbia and Montenegro federal structure after the referendum in 2006. After gaining independence, Montenegro’s most significant foreign policy objective has been to align with its region and Europe. In this context, it signed the Stabilization and Association Agreement with the European Union (EU) in 2007. In December 2008, it applied for full EU membership and was officially recognized as a candidate country in 2010. Accession negotiations began in June 2012.[1]
Montenegro’s EU integration process has progressed more rapidly compared to other Western Balkan countries. The country aims to achieve EU membership by 2026. Indeed, it has been emphasized that the EU-Montenegro negotiations on Chapters 23 and 24 are in their final stages.[2] Montenegro has made necessary legislative and reform efforts to meet the criteria for Chapter 23, which pertains to judiciary and fundamental rights, and Chapter 24, which concerns justice, freedom, and security, thus progressing confidently towards EU membership.
Montenegro’s relations with the EU and its membership process are highly significant. These relations have been shaped within the framework of the Stabilization and Association Process (SAP), which began in 2001 but was interrupted in 2005 due to Serbia’s non-cooperation with the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia. However, following Montenegro’s independence in 2006, relations were re-established on June 12, 2006. The EU Council of Ministers decided to continue SAA negotiations with Montenegro, and the first progress report on Montenegro was published on November 8, 2006. During this process, Montenegro’s adoption of EU values and implementation of reforms have been crucial steps.
The Stabilization and Association Agreement, signed in October 2007, came into effect on May 1, 2010, with the approval of EU member states. This agreement was a significant step for Montenegro in aligning with EU norms and strengthening its economic integration. In December 2008, Montenegro made substantial progress in its EU integration process by applying for full membership. In December 2009, Montenegrin citizens were granted visa-free entry to Schengen countries, marking an important step towards aligning with EU standards.
In December 2010, the European Commission provided a positive opinion on Montenegro’s membership application and set seven priority conditions within the conditionality policy framework for starting negotiations. These conditions included judicial reforms, combating corruption, strengthening election laws, media freedom, and enhancing cooperation with civil society. Montenegro has diligently met these priorities, resulting in its elevation to candidate status at the EU Leaders’ Summit in 2010.
Subsequent progress reports highlighted Montenegro’s stability and determination, leading to the official start of membership negotiations in 2012. The European Commission’s 2011-2012 Enlargement Strategy emphasized the chapters on “Judiciary and Fundamental Rights” and “Justice, Freedom, and Security” in the enlargement process. According to this strategy, these chapters were set to remain open until the completion of the full membership negotiation process. Combating corruption and organized crime has been a primary focus for the EU during Montenegro’s candidacy process. Montenegro has undertaken intense and serious efforts on these issues as part of its alignment with EU norms and reform efforts. As of 2022, Montenegro has provisionally closed three of the 33 chapters negotiated with the EU. This progress demonstrates Montenegro’s commitment to the EU integration process and reform efforts. Montenegro’s accession to NATO on June 5, 2017, marked significant progress towards full integration with the West. Furthermore, NATO membership has helped reduce pressure from Russia and Serbia.[3]
Montenegro has been one of the most diligent and reform-oriented countries in the EU’s expansion process into the Western Balkans. One of the primary reasons for this is that Montenegro has no significant issues with the EU. Additionally, it has no problematic relationships with its neighbors. Considering its geographical position and being the smallest country in the Balkans, harmonizing with the EU will be beneficial for Montenegro economically, politically, and socially. Thus far, Montenegro has progressed harmoniously with the EU and is the closest country to EU membership. Montenegro’s progress towards EU membership serves as an important example for other Western Balkan countries that have been waiting for membership for many years.
[1] “Montenegro”, EU, https://www.ab.gov.tr/karadag_45465.html, (Accessed: 29.06.2024).
[2] ”EU: Montenegro Ready to Enter Final Stage of Membership Negotiations”, AA, https://www.aa.com.tr/en/world/eu-montenegro-ready-to-enter-final-stage-of-membership-negotiations/3259059, (Accessed: 29.06.2024).
[3] Zeynep Paralı, “In Light of Country Reports, Montenegro’s EU Integration: Is Montenegro Approaching Full Membership or Moving Away?”, Journal of Global Policy Studies, 1(1), p. 92.
