Montenegro could become the EU's next member state by 2028, Commission says

In brief

• The European Commission says Montenegro could finish EU accession talks by the end of 2026.
• Membership could follow in 2028, making Montenegro the frontrunner among nine candidate countries.
• Albania and Moldova are also seen as possible future members, and the Commission supports Ukraine's efforts.

Accession talks could close this year

The European Commission says Montenegro may complete its accession negotiations with the EU as early as the end of 2026 (Erweiterung: Montenegro könnte schon bald in der EU sein – FAZ.NET) (Westbalkan - EU-Kommission: Montenegro könnte nächstes EU-Mitglied werden – Deutschlandfunk). In its annual enlargement policy report, the Commission described the progress as evidence of Montenegro's sustained effort to follow the European path and carry out the reforms needed for membership (EU says Montenegro on track to become bloc's next member state by 2028 – DW) (Europäische Union: Montenegro könnte laut EU-Kommission 2028 Mitgliedsstaat werden – ZEIT ONLINE).

Membership targeted for 2028

If talks close on schedule, the actual accession could take place in 2028. Montenegro is currently the frontrunner among nine candidate countries seeking to join the bloc. The last state to enter the Union was Croatia, in 2013.

Geopolitical motives

Enlargement has gained new momentum partly for geopolitical reasons. Brussels hopes that admitting more states will strengthen its influence and discourage countries disappointed by the lack of a membership prospect from drawing closer to Russia or China (Europäische Union: Montenegro könnte das nächste Mitglied werden – DER SPIEGEL).

Other candidates

The Commission also sees Albania and Moldova as possible members in the coming years, and it backs Ukraine's accession efforts. Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said that progress made by some candidates over the past year has brought the goal of enlargement within reach.