DPM Ivanović for Euronews Region: Montenegro moves closer to the European Union

In an interview aired last night on Euronews Region, Deputy Prime Minister for Foreign and European Affairs Filip Ivanović stated that the closure of five negotiating chapters in a single day – marking the highest number of chapters closed in one year so far – represents strong confirmation that Montenegro is on the right path toward membership in the European Union, and that the achieved results are the outcome of serious and dedicated work.

Ivanović emphasized that the EU accession process is both technical and political, and that in addition to meeting clearly defined criteria and standards, it also requires the consent of all 27 EU Member States. As he underlined, the “green light” received is a clear confirmation that Montenegro has met the necessary conditions for closing the chapters in question.

He recalled that negotiating chapters are closed on a provisional basis, and that the European Commission continuously monitors the implementation of undertaken obligations through regular progress reports. Ivanović stressed that he expects that, provided consistent implementation of the adopted standards continues, there will be no need to reopen chapters that have already been closed.

Special emphasis in the interview was placed on negotiating Chapters 23 and 24, which concern the rule of law and the fight against corruption and organized crime. The Deputy Prime Minister recalled that these chapters are key under the new enlargement methodology, and that Montenegro received a positive IBAR last year, representing a significant turning point in the accession process.

According to him, these chapters will be closed last, after progress has been completed in all other areas, and will be subject to special monitoring. Ivanović noted that European Commission reports for two consecutive years have already confirmed Montenegro’s progress in these fields.

Speaking about the next steps, Ivanović highlighted that during 2026 further recommendations are expected to be fulfilled, including full alignment with the EU visa policy within Chapter 24, where significant progress has been achieved this year.

With regard to Chapter 23, Ivanović stated that the expectations of both the European Union and the domestic public are focused on achieving final court verdicts in cases of high-level corruption and organized crime. He expressed confidence that, with strong political and institutional support, judicial authorities will meet these criteria.

In conclusion, Deputy Prime Minister Ivanović said that he expects Montenegro to meet the conditions for closing Chapters 23 and 24 by the end of next year, thereby completing the final phase of negotiations and bringing the country even closer to full membership in the European Union.

The full version of the interview is available at the following link.