Ibrahimović in Brussels: Montenegro closes two more negotiating chapters and continues decisively towards EU membership

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ervin Ibrahimović participated in the EU-Montenegro Intergovernmental Conference in Brussels as a member of the delegation led by Prime Minister Milojko Spajić. At the Conference, Montenegro closed two more negotiating chapters – Chapter 8 on Competition Policy and Chapter 29 on Customs Union, further maintaining strong momentum in the European Union accession process.

The closure of the new chapters represents confirmation of Montenegro’s concrete progress in implementing European reforms and meeting demanding membership criteria. Progress in the areas of competition policy and customs union further strengthens legal certainty, improves the business environment and confirms Montenegro’s readiness for full participation in the EU Single Market.

Ibrahimović assessed that this achievement represents another confirmation of the credibility of Montenegro’s European path and the dedicated work of all institutions in fulfilling obligations arising from the accession process.

The closure of two more negotiating chapters is an important success for Montenegro and a clear confirmation that reform efforts are delivering concrete results. This is the outcome of responsible and dedicated work by state institutions, as well as strong support and confidence that the European Union provides to Montenegro on our shared path, Ibrahimović said.

He stressed that Montenegro remains determined to seize the historic opportunity before the country.

Our goal is clear – in partnership with the institutions of the European Union and Member States, to close all remaining negotiating chapters by the end of this year, successfully complete the accession process and become the next full member of the European Union. Montenegro is ready to assume the responsibilities that come with membership and contribute to the common European project, Ibrahimović said.

Following today’s Intergovernmental Conference, Montenegro has provisionally closed 18 out of a total of 33 negotiating chapters, further confirming its position as the most advanced candidate for EU membership and the continuity of results achieved on its European path.

This achievement represents an important step towards the country’s strategic goal – full membership in the European Union – and a strong confirmation of Montenegro’s European commitment.

In the coming period, the priority remains continued intensive cooperation with EU institutions and Member States, alongside accelerated reform activities aimed at fulfilling the remaining obligations and successfully bringing the accession negotiations to a conclusion.