Montenegro Closes Two EU Accession Chapters, Eyes 2028 Entry

Montenegro provisionally closed two EU accession negotiating chapters on June 15, covering free movement of workers and consumer and health protection. The closures bring the total to 16 of 33 chapters completed. European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos said Montenegro could reach final accession talks during Ireland’s EU presidency if it continues meeting commitments. Earliest possible entry is 2028.

What Happened at the June 15 Conference

The EU and Montenegro held their 27th Accession Conference on June 15 in Luxembourg. Two negotiating chapters were provisionally closed: chapter 2 on free movement for workers and chapter 28 on consumer and health protection. This follows a previous conference on March 17, 2026, which closed chapter 21 on trans-European networks. Ireland’s Minister of State for European Affairs, Thomas Byrne, represented Ireland at the meeting and welcomed the progress as part of the country’s rotating EU presidency.

Montenegro’s Progress Toward Membership

Montenegro has now completed 16 of 33 negotiating chapters, roughly halfway through the accession process. Kos stated that Montenegro’s progress is tangible proof that enlargement is merit-based. The country applied to join the EU on December 15, 2008, and formal membership negotiations began on June 29, 2012. Montenegro already uses the euro de facto and holds Schengen visa liberalisation status since December 19, 2009.

Timeline for Final Accession Talks

Kos expressed confidence that if Montenegro, the European Commission, and EU member states continue working together, accession negotiations could be completed during Ireland’s presidency or by its conclusion. She noted that more progress has been achieved in the past 16 to 17 months than in the previous 15 years. The EU will continue monitoring Montenegro’s alignment with and implementation of EU law throughout negotiations. Earliest possible entry to the EU is 2028.

Broader EU Enlargement Strategy

June 15 also marked major progress for Ukraine and Moldova. Both countries opened their first negotiating cluster, Cluster 1 on Fundamentals, at their second Intergovernmental Conferences. Minister Byrne stated that Ireland is committed to facilitating the opening of all remaining negotiating clusters with Ukraine and Moldova within six months. Enlargement has become one of the EU’s most important foreign policy instruments, particularly following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Final Thoughts

Montenegro has completed half its EU accession chapters and could finish negotiations during Ireland’s presidency. With 2028 as the earliest entry date, the country remains on track if it maintains reform momentum and EU support.

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