Montenegro, a small Balkan country with a population of just over 600,000 people, has been on a path towards EU membership since gaining independence in 2006. The country applied for EU membership in 2008 and was granted candidate status in 2010. Since then, Montenegro has been working to meet the stringent requirements set by the EU for membership.
These requirements, known as the Copenhagen Criteria, include stable institutions that guarantee democracy, the rule of law, human rights, and respect for and protection of minorities; a functioning market economy capable of coping with competition and market forces in the EU; and the ability to take on and implement effectively the obligations of membership, including adherence to the aims of political, economic, and monetary union.
The Negotiation Process
Montenegro officially started the negotiation process for EU membership in 2012. The process involves a series of negotiations between the candidate country and the individual EU member states. These negotiations cover 35 different policy fields (chapters), including freedom of movement for workers, right of establishment and freedom to provide services, public procurement, company law, and others. Each chapter of the negotiations needs to be opened and then closed after the candidate country demonstrates it has implemented the necessary reforms.
As of 2021, Montenegro has opened all 35 chapters and temporarily closed three. This shows slower progress and highlights the amount of work still needed to fully meet the EU's standards and requirements.
Challenges Faced by Montenegro
Montenegro's journey towards EU membership has not been without challenges. The country has faced numerous obstacles, including issues related to corruption, organized crime, judicial reforms, and media freedom. These issues have slowed down the negotiation process and have raised concerns about Montenegro's readiness to join the EU.
Corruption, in particular, has been a major stumbling block. Despite efforts to combat this issue, Montenegro still ranks high on the corruption perception index. The EU has stressed the need for Montenegro to make significant progress in this area before it can join the union.
Political Instability
Political instability has also been a challenge for Montenegro. The country has experienced several changes in government since 2020, which has led to inconsistencies in policy and reform implementation. This instability has raised concerns about Montenegro's ability to maintain the political stability required for EU membership, but the road towards EU was already severely slowed down even before the change of government.
Despite the challenges, Montenegro remains committed to its goal of EU membership. The country's government has reiterated its dedication to implementing the necessary reforms and has expressed optimism about the future of Montenegro's EU membership.
However, the timeline for Montenegro's accession to the EU remains uncertain. The EU has made it clear that each candidate country will be judged on its own merits and that the speed of accession will depend on the progress made in implementing reforms. As such, it is up to Montenegro to determine its path towards EU membership.
Continued Reforms
Montenegro's future in the EU will largely depend on its ability to continue implementing the necessary reforms, particularly in the areas of corruption, organized crime, judicial reforms, and media freedom. The country will need to demonstrate significant progress in these areas to convince the EU of its readiness to join the union.
Furthermore, Montenegro will need to maintain political stability and ensure free and fair elections. These are key requirements for EU membership and will be closely monitored by the EU in the coming years.
EU Support
While the path to EU membership is challenging, Montenegro is not alone in its journey. The EU has provided significant support to Montenegro, including financial assistance and technical expertise, to help the country meet the membership requirements. This support is expected to continue as Montenegro moves closer to EU membership.
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