The Commission says Montenegro could join the EU in 2028 if it meets remaining conditions.
Why it matters: Montenegro's accession could affect EU trade, investment, regulation and security policy in the Western Balkans. The timetable depends on completing negotiations, meeting rule-of-law requirements and securing approval and ratification.
- The European Commission says Montenegro could become the EU's 28th member in 2028 if it meets the remaining conditions.
- The EU accession framework contains 35 chapters; Montenegro has opened all 33 chapters applicable to its negotiations.
- The Commission said negotiations could realistically conclude by the end of 2026.
- After negotiations are completed and an accession treaty is agreed, it would require European Parliament consent and ratification under the constitutional requirements of Montenegro and every EU member state.
Montenegro is the leading candidate in the EU's latest enlargement assessment. European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos said Montenegro is on track to become the twenty-eighth EU member state in 2028. The statement is a Commission projection, not a finalized accession date.
The EU framework contains 35 negotiating chapters, while Montenegro has opened all 33 chapters applicable to its negotiations. The Commission said negotiations could realistically conclude by the end of 2026. Any timetable remains conditional on completing the talks and meeting the EU's requirements, including on the rule of law.
Negotiations must be completed and the accession treaty agreed before it can be signed. Deutsche Welle reported that the treaty could be signed as early as June 2027. That timing would still be followed by European Parliament consent and ratification by Montenegro and each of the 27 existing EU member states under their constitutional requirements.
The accession process therefore involves more than concluding negotiations. Montenegro would need to satisfy the remaining conditions, secure the required approvals and complete every national ratification process before joining.
By the numbers
- 35 - Total chapters in the EU accession framework
- 33 - Chapters Montenegro has opened, covering all chapters applicable to its negotiations
- 2028 - The Commission's projected accession year if Montenegro meets the remaining conditions
Yes, but: The 2028 projection is conditional. Montenegro must complete the negotiations, meet remaining requirements, obtain European Parliament consent and secure ratification by Montenegro and all 27 EU member states.
What's next: The Commission said negotiations could realistically conclude by the end of 2026. Deutsche Welle reported that an accession treaty could be signed as early as June 2027, but only after negotiations are completed and the treaty is agreed.