Montenegro Closes Two More EU Accession Chapters, Reaching Halfway Point

On 15 June 2026, Montenegro provisionally closed Chapter 2 (free movement of workers) and Chapter 28 (consumer and health protection) at the 27th Accession Conference in Luxembourg. The closures bring the total of provisionally closed chapters to 16 of the 33 required for EU membership, marking the halfway point in the accession process. The EU and Montenegrin delegations confirmed that all 33 chapters remain open for negotiation, with the two newly closed chapters now subject to monitoring for implementation.

Balkan InsightMontenegro advances towards the EU and already closes 16 chaptersEU and Montenegro close accession negotiations on freedom of movement of workers and consumer and health protection

Montenegro began formal accession talks in 2012 and opened all 33 negotiating chapters in 2023. The EU’s enlargement policy, framed as a merit-based process, has positioned the Western Balkan country as the frontrunner among candidate states. The Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU oversaw the current conference, emphasizing enlargement as a strategic response to regional geopolitical challenges.

EU and Montenegro close accession negotiations on freedom of movement of workers and consumer and health protection

• Marta Kos, European Commissioner for Enlargement – leads EU negotiations and announced a forthcoming financial package for Montenegro.

EU and Montenegro close accession negotiations on freedom of movement of workers and consumer and health protection

• Marilena Raouna, Deputy Minister for European Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus – represented the Cyprus Presidency during the conference.

EU and Montenegro close accession negotiations on freedom of movement of workers and consumer and health protection

• Milojko Spajic, Prime Minister of Montenegro – heads the Montenegrin delegation and articulates the government’s timeline for accession.

EU and Montenegro close accession negotiations on freedom of movement of workers and consumer and health protection

• Chapters closed: 16 / 33 (? 48 %).

Balkan Insight

• Chapters newly closed: 2 (Chapter 2, Chapter 28).

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• Previous closure: Chapter 21 (trans-European networks) on 17 March 2026.

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• Target dates: Complete all chapter closures by end-2026; join the EU in 2028.

Balkan Insight

Closing the free-movement and consumer-health chapters aligns Montenegro’s labour market and product-safety standards with EU law, facilitating cross-border employment and trade. The progress reinforces the EU’s strategic aim to deepen integration in the Western Balkans, countering external influences and enhancing regional stability. The establishment of an Ad Hoc Working Party to draft Montenegro’s accession treaty underscores the EU’s commitment to a structured, timely enlargement.

EU and Montenegro close accession negotiations on freedom of movement of workers and consumer and health protection

EU officials highlighted the tangible benefits of enlargement, noting that the closures demonstrate Montenegro’s alignment with the acquis and the EU’s willingness to provide financial support. The Commission signaled intent to approve a funding package within the week and urged continued reforms across all chapters. Montenegrin authorities reaffirmed their disciplined approach, pledging to meet the end-2026 deadline and to secure membership by 2028. The Cyprus Presidency framed the achievement as evidence that enlargement remains a strategic necessity amid growing geopolitical challenges.

EU and Montenegro close accession negotiations on freedom of movement of workers and consumer and health protection

• “Over the last few weeks, Montenegro has truly demonstrated progress,” — Marta Kos, European Commissioner for Enlargement

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• “Montenegro is not falling behind and it is not improvising. We keep our word and deliver results. By the end of this year, we will close all chapters,” — Milojko Spajic, Prime Minister of Montenegro

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• “At the 27th meeting of the Accession Conference with Montenegro accession negotiations on chapters 2 (freedom of movement for workers) and 28 (consumer and health protection) were provisionally closed „I am delighted that we are delivering the third Intergovernmental Conference for Montenegro under the Cyprus presidency, with two more negotiating chapters provisionally closing today.” — Marilena Raouna, Deputy Minister for European Affairs, Republic of Cyprus

EU and Montenegro close accession negotiations on freedom of movement of workers and consumer and health protection

• “The Commission intends to approve a financial package for Montenegro next week. We are now discussing the forthcoming reforms. All political stakeholders should continue to contribute to the reform process,” — Marta Kos

EU and Montenegro close accession negotiations on freedom of movement of workers and consumer and health protection

• “We are already preparing Montenegro's place within our Union,” — Marta Kos

Montenegro advances towards the EU and already closes 16 chapters

All consulted sources consistently report the same number of closed chapters (16) and the same timeline. No contradictory figures or divergent interpretations were identified.

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The Council, under the Cyprus Presidency, has created an Ad Hoc Working Party to draft Montenegro’s accession treaty. The EU plans to finalize the financial assistance package within days and to continue monitoring reform implementation. Montenegro aims to close the remaining 17 chapters by the end of 2026, paving the way for formal accession in 2028.

EU and Montenegro close accession negotiations on freedom of movement of workers and consumer and health protectionMontenegro advances towards the EU and already closes 16 chaptersBalkan Insight