Prime Minister Milojko Spajić announced this evening that, following the closure of Chapter 5 (public procurement), Montenegro has received affirmation from the European Commission (EC) and EU member states indicating it is poised to finalize all chapters by next year.

Montenegro successfully closed another negotiation chapter (Chapter 5 – public procurement) during the Intergovernmental Conference with the EU.

“We have fully executed the plan presented to the European Commission last year, and we anticipate that by year-end, we will have much more to celebrate,” stated Spajić after the Inter-Ministerial Conference between Montenegro and the EU in Brussels, as reported on the Council of the EU’s website.

He mentioned the optimism among member states today, noting that the messages were quite encouraging—focusing on Montenegro’s dedication to European reforms over the next year and a half, promising positive outcomes.

Spajić noted that Chapter 5 is notably challenging, alongside Chapters 23 and 24 concerning the rule of law, and Chapter 27 focusing on environmental issues.

The Prime Minister emphasized that this cluster (rule of law) is typically addressed at the late stages of negotiations, which reflects Montenegro’s progress and the significant recognition from the EC.

The Government announced that Montenegro officially closed Chapter 5 – Public Procurement, marking the first chapter in Cluster 1 (Fundamental Rights) closed this evening at the Intergovernmental Conference in Brussels, totaling seven provisionally closed negotiation chapters.

“The closure of Chapter 5 is a considerable advancement towards our ultimate goal of completing negotiations for EU accession,” said Prime Minister Milojko Spajić, explaining the chapter’s importance in demonstrating governance quality through transparency, accountability, and effective anti-corruption measures.

In a government statement, Spajić expressed gratitude towards the Polish presidency, member states, and the European Commission (EC) for their support in concluding the public procurement chapter.

“We are closing the first chapter of the Fundamental Rights Cluster in the history of EU enlargement following the new methodology. We are closely monitoring the dynamics based on the EC’s evaluation. By the end of the year, we expect many more reasons to celebrate,” asserted Spajić.

He reiterated that the closure of Chapter 5 marks a substantial step towards the shared ultimate objective—finalizing accession negotiations.

Spajić recalled that this process, after seven years, resumed exactly one year ago with the reception of IBAR.

“Six months ago, at the previous Intergovernmental Conference, I urged you to have faith in our motivation, determination, and capability to deliver the 2028 EU member state by 28,” he stated.

Continuity, he emphasized, is vital in this journey.

“We need to close chapters at a pace that will enable us to achieve our European ambitions,” Spajić highlighted.

He underscored the significance of today’s closure, as it directly reflects governance quality through transparency, accountability, and effective corruption prevention.

This achievement follows last week’s acknowledgment received in Dublin for decisive actions and results in tackling illegal tobacco trade.

“Montenegro is open for business, but closed to crime and corruption,” declared Spajić.

He remarked that the progress made under Chapter 5 – Public Procurement illustrates Montenegro’s institutional maturity and its capability to implement European standards essential for upholding the rule of law and ensuring public administration integrity.

“It also enhances the overall credibility of our reform endeavors, not just during the accession process but also in meeting European standards as a future EU member state,” added Spajić.

Hert Jan Kopman, Director of the European Commission’s Directorate for Enlargement and Eastern Neighborhood, congratulated Spajić, the Government of Montenegro, and society as a whole.

“I am pleased that we are here just six months later to close another chapter, a result of your seriousness, commitment, and credible planning,” said Kopman.

He noted this as a testament to the merit-based EU enlargement process.

“This is a significant signal for the entire region. Montenegro is fulfilling its commitments according to the established plan, and we are confident of more intergovernmental conferences this year where we can celebrate together,” added Kopman.

He emphasized the celebration of Montenegro’s progress and the acceleration of EU reforms implementation.

“From our perspective, the next few months are crucial for completing significant reforms that will propel us into the coming year with positive momentum and good prospects for achieving our negotiation goals,” stated Kopman.

He highlighted how the electronic public procurement system has dramatically reduced the potential for corruption in this area.

“We must continue on this path with the same pace, and we will work on it together,” Kopman affirmed.

Agnieszka Bartol, Poland’s Permanent Representative to the EU and chair of the conference, conveyed that admitting new members is a geostrategic imperative and a necessity for the EU.

“Your future is with us, and we want it as soon as possible. You can always rely on Poland’s support and assistance along this journey,” Bartol stated.

She commended the significant reforms Montenegro has undertaken in public procurement.

During his address at the Intergovernmental Conference, Spajić emphasized Montenegro’s firm commitment to upholding the rule of law, enhancing citizens’ standards, fostering good neighborly relations, and pursuing European integration.

“With your support, we should be prepared to close five more chapters by the year’s end—with potential readiness for two additional chapters,” he revealed.

Spajić underscored that the negotiating structure and all relevant departments are diligently and effectively collaborating with the EC. “We promise to earn your approval to close as many chapters this year as in the previous twelve. We aim to be six times more successful,” he concluded.

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