BRUSSELS — European Union member states took a decisive step Wednesday toward expanding the bloc, agreeing to initiate drafting of an accession treaty for Montenegro and signaling fresh momentum in the Balkan nation’s EU journey.
European Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos hailed the move as “a major step on the path to EU membership,” spotlighting Montenegro’s reform strides and urging faster progress. In a post on X, she emphasized the opportunity to incorporate robust safeguards from prior enlargements, aimed at curbing any erosion of rule of law or core democratic principles.
The Montenegrin government targets full EU membership by 2028. Once part of Yugoslavia, the Adriatic nation gained independence in 2006 and counts roughly 600,000 residents.
European Council President Antonio Costa echoed the optimism, calling the creation of a dedicated Working Party for the treaty “a key milestone” in a statement congratulating Podgorica.