This evening, Montenegro successfully closed three negotiation chapters with the European Union (EU) during an intergovernmental conference in Brussels.

Montenegro concluded negotiations on Chapters 7 (Intellectual Property), 10 (IT Society and Media), and 20 (Entrepreneurship and Industrial Policy).

The Committee of Permanent Representatives of EU Member States (Coreper) approved Montenegro’s progress on Friday, while Croatia blocked the fourth chapter (31 – External, Security, and Defense Policy).

At a press conference in Brussels, Prime Minister Milojko Spajic expressed optimism, stating that Montenegro aims to close Chapter 31 soon.

“We are ending the year by closing these three chapters and are filled with enthusiasm to tackle the remaining chapters, aiming for completion by 2026 and for Montenegro to join the EU as the 28th member by 2028,” Spajic remarked.

He emphasized that this marks “a turning point with no possibility of returning” for the citizens of Montenegro.

“We have closed three chapters and met all conditions for closing four more, which I hope we can achieve soon, as recommended by our EC friends within just 12 months. In the past year, we have made more progress on this path than in the previous 12 years,” Spajic added.

He mentioned that all divisive issues would be resolved through consensus.

The European Commissioner for Enlargement, March Kos, noted that he enjoys seeing a smile on Spajic’s face.

“I appreciate you all the time, and there are plenty of reasons to do so, as today is a momentous day,” he said.

The official government of Podgorica has opened all chapters in the negotiation process and temporarily closed three: Chapter 25 (Science and Research), Chapter 26 (Education and Culture), and Chapter 30 (External Relations).

“If it were up to Hungary, Montenegro would also close Chapter 31”

Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjártó remarked that Hungary’s support could help Montenegro close Chapter 31 and possibly more.

“Congratulations to Montenegro on its achievements. We regard this as the best year so far. If it depended on us, the process would be quicker,” Szijjártó mentioned.

The EU Ambassador in Podgorica, Johann Sattler, stated that the closure of three negotiation chapters represents a significant milestone and achievement toward Montenegro’s EU membership.

He highlighted that this is the first time in seven years that Montenegro has closed three chapters in the EU accession negotiations.

“This concludes a very productive year in which Montenegro received positive evaluations from the EU regarding Chapters 23 and 24, and joined an ambitious reform agenda aimed at attracting over 380 million EUR in investments from the EU,” Sattler noted.

He acknowledged that the success of this year should also be credited to both the Government and the opposition.

“Montenegro’s politicians have demonstrated the ability to collaborate, despite political differences, to support essential laws and decisions aligned with the European agenda, benefiting all citizens,” Sattler remarked.

According to him, this pivotal moment could not have been achieved without the dedication of negotiators, experts, and officials within Montenegro’s negotiating structure or without significant support from colleagues in EU institutions.

He urged political figures to continue working collaboratively on the steps taken in the past week to resolve outstanding issues.

Over the last year, relations with Croatia have strained over various issues, including ownership disputes concerning the “Adriatic” and the conflicts following the Montenegrin parliament’s resolution on Genocide in the Jasenovac camp, which drew sharp disapproval from Zagreb.