The European Union recommends that Montenegro accelerate progress on the reform path, especially in the areas of justice, freedom of expression, media freedom, the fight against corruption and organized crime, as well as public administration reform. This is stated in the draft document scheduled for approval at the meeting of the EU Council for General Affairs on December 16, 2025, in Brussels, Radio Free Europe reports.
The European Union welcomes the progress achieved
The EU Council noted “significant progress”, which Montenegro has made on the path to membership: all 33 negotiating chapters have been opened, 12 are temporarily closed. However, Brussels emphasizes that the country needs to speed up the fulfillment of the closing benchmarks, above all in the key chapters on the rule of law — 23 and 24.
The fight against corruption remains a weak point
The draft document states that the country's administrative capacity needs to be strengthened, and the number of final court decisions in high-level corruption cases remains “still low.” The European Union expects Montenegro to improve results in investigating and prosecuting high-level corruption, as well as cases related to organized crime.
Migration policy: progress exists, but full EU alignment is required
An improvement in asylum policy and the management of migration flows is noted. However, the need for full alignment with the European Union's visa policy is emphasized.
Economic recommendations: reduce debt and increase transparency
In economic terms, the European Union calls on Montenegro to continue reforms, reduce public debt, strengthen financial management, and increase the transparency of public institutions.
Context: The European Union aims for enlargement by 2029
The European Commission's annual enlargement report confirms Brussels' serious intention to admit new members before the end of the current Commission's mandate in 2029. The report, published on November 4, was the first since the new Commission took office. It assesses the progress (or lack thereof) of 10 candidate countries, including six Western Balkan states — Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Serbia, Albania, Kosovo and North Macedonia, as well as Moldova, Ukraine, Georgia and Turkey.