During the intergovernmental conference between the European Union (EU) and Montenegro held in Brussels, a report was adopted regarding the fulfillment of temporary criteria in the Rule of Law chapters (Ibar), effectively resuming EU membership negotiations.

Having been in the negotiating process for 12 years, Montenegro’s adoption of IBAR signifies the end of a prolonged stagnation in its negotiations.

In Brussels, the Montenegrin government also presented the final benchmarks required to close the chapter, which will facilitate the completion of the EU accession process.

Belgian Foreign Minister Hadja Labib noted that during her recent visit, she observed the strong determination of the Montenegrin citizens and their commitment to advancing integration.

The EU further emphasized its expectations for Montenegro to continue enhancing judicial independence, and intensifying the fight against corruption and organized crime.

European Enlargement Commissioner Oliver Varhelyi remarked that the intergovernmental conference signifies the EU’s readiness for further enlargement.

He pointed out that future advancements would be merit-based, underscoring the political will to continue Montenegro’s European path.

Additionally, he mentioned that Hungary, which will assume the EU presidency, has ambitious plans concerning the enlargement process.

“I anticipate that Montenegro will be able to close a significant number of chapters in the next six months,” he stated.

Montenegro’s Prime Minister Milojko Spajic expressed that the country had been waiting “full 11 years” to see this outcome.

“Since June 2017, it’s been seven years without any progress. Our path was effectively halted,” he noted.

He projected that the next 18 to 24 months would be characterized by technical advancements.

“It’s a challenging, Sisyphus-like task. We hope that the parliament will maintain a collaborative spirit and propel us toward our common goal,” Spajic added.

He concluded that this positive development is not just a win for Montenegro, but for the entire Western Balkans.

Alongside Serbia, Montenegro is viewed as a frontrunner in the accession process.

With negotiations on membership with Serbia currently stalled due to its refusal to impose sanctions on Russia, Montenegro is regarded as the most advanced in the EU accession discussions.

The intergovernmental conference was informed by the European Commission (EC), which recognized that Montenegro met the provisional criteria, achieving commendable compliance and progress in adopting EU standards in Chapters 23 and 24.

Chapter 23 concerns judicial and fundamental rights, while Chapter 24 pertains to justice, freedom, and security.

These two chapters are the first to be opened in membership negotiations and will be the last to be closed.

Progress in Chapters 23 and 24 is crucial for the opening of any chapter, and potential stagnation could lead to a blockage in negotiations or even derail the process.

Following the confirmation of Ibar, European diplomats anticipate Montenegro closing new chapters in the latter half of the year, contingent on the authorities’ efforts to meet the required conditions.

Montenegro applied for EU candidate status in 2008.

It was granted in 2010, and the accession negotiations commenced in 2012.

In the accession process, it has opened all chapters and temporarily closed three.

During the Intergovernmental Conference on June 26th, it is expected that chapters eligible for temporary or complete closure will be identified.