Montenegro Can’t Afford to Delay
Marta Kos, the European Commissioner for Enlargement, stated that Montenegro has a significant opportunity to finalize negotiations with the European Union (EU) during her tenure, which has just commenced for a five-year term.
All Negotiating Chapters Opened
Montenegro stands out as the sole candidate country for EU membership that has opened all negotiating chapters.
To date, six out of a total of 33 chapters have been opened, three of which were accomplished last year.
The Montenegrin government aims to close the remaining chapters by the end of 2028, with the goal of becoming a full EU member by that time.
Montenegro is the first Western Balkan nation visited by KOS in her role as Enlargement Commissioner.
“Opportunities come and go. Montenegro currently has a historic chance, and we cannot afford to procrastinate,” she stated during a press conference with Prime Minister Milojko Spajic on January 16 in Podgorica.
KOS reiterated the same sentiments during her address to the Parliament of Montenegro.
She underscored the strong support from Brussels as well as her personal commitment to the negotiation process, while also noting that Montenegro must assist in these efforts:
“One of my primary responsibilities is to communicate the importance of European enlargement to EU citizens. We will need to collaborate to illustrate that an improved EU means a stronger union for Montenegro as well.”
KOS urged all political parties and institutions to unite in their reform efforts, considering that over 70 percent of citizens endorse EU membership.
Members of the Pro-EU and Pro-NATO opposition, however, were absent from the parliamentary session in protest against what they termed anti-democratic actions by the authorities, particularly concerning President Andrija Mandić of Parliament.
“This is democracy; I respect it. I acknowledge that dissenting views exist, but our shared goal—EU membership—requires collective efforts,” KOS remarked in response to the opposition’s absence.
Later, she met with opposition representatives following the parliamentary session.
During the session, Prime Minister Spajić remarked, in the presence of Commissioner KOS, that Montenegro’s focus lies on reforms requiring cooperation between the government and the opposition. He expressed optimism, stating he does not perceive “insurmountable obstacles in collaboration” with the opposition.
Branislav Nenezić, an opposition MP from the Social Democrats, elaborated on social media platform X regarding their absence from the session.
“For Montenegro to join the EU, it must distance itself from regressive, anti-EU, retrograde policies represented by Andrija Mandić and his coalition.”
The European Commissioner also engaged with President Jakov Milatović during her visit.
Her two-day visit includes a trip to Cetinje, where she will honor the victims of the mass murder that occurred on January 1.
“I wish to express my deepest condolences to the families and friends of the deceased, and I hope for a swift recovery for the injured,” she remarked at the beginning of her address in Podgorica.
KOS plans to meet with civil society representatives and attend a project presentation focused on maritime security.