26 June 2024 – Today, the sixteenth Accession Conference at the ministerial level was held in Brussels, marking a significant step in Montenegro’s EU accession journey. Led by Ms. Hadja Lahbib, representing the Belgian Presidency of the Council of the EU, and Commissioner Olivér Várhelyi, the EU delegation reviewed Montenegro’s progress in Chapters 23 (Judiciary and Fundamental Rights) and 24 (Justice, Freedom, and Security).

Montenegro, led by Prime Minister Milojko Spajić, was acknowledged for meeting the interim benchmarks, paving the way for the provisional closure of chapters in the accession negotiations. Minister Lahbib emphasized the importance of establishing a strong track record of implementation to ensure Montenegro’s continued success on the EU path. This step is an example of the EU enlargement process in the Western Balkans being active and impactful.

With 33 chapters opened and 3 provisionally closed, monitoring of Montenegro’s alignment with the EU acquis will continue throughout the negotiations.

To learn more, click the links below:

• Interim EU common position regarding chapter 23, including closing benchmarks
• Interim EU common position regarding chapter 24, including closing benchmarks
• Opening EU common position regarding chapter 23, including interim benchmarks
• Opening EU common position regarding chapter 24, including interim benchmarks
• Montenegro (background information)