Montenegro closes 23 chapters on path to EU, offering prospects for Albanians in Ulcinj and Malësia

Montenegro has provisionally closed 23 negotiation chapters with the European Union, while 10 remain open. The latest step came on Friday, November 6, during the Intergovernmental Conference in Brussels, where the closure of Chapter 1, covering the free movement of goods, and Chapter 12, concerning food safety and veterinary and phytosanitary policies, was approved.

Following this progress toward membership, Prime Minister Milojko Spajiq said Montenegro had sent a message that it was ready to enter the final stage of European integration.

For Albanians living in Montenegro, mainly in Ulcinj, Tuzi, Plav and Gusinje, progress in the negotiations offers the prospect of becoming EU citizens in the near future. Podgorica’s progress contrasts with that of Albania, which, according to reports, has closed only four chapters. Meanwhile, Kosovo remains the only country in the Western Balkans without candidate status.

Podgorica’s proposed timetable aims to conclude negotiations by December 2026 and sign the Accession Treaty in June 2027. Five more chapters are expected to be closed during November, while Chapters 23 and 24, covering the judiciary, the rule of law and the fight against corruption, are scheduled to be closed in December.

Brussels has made clear, however, that the timetable remains indicative: any backsliding in the implementation of reforms could delay membership. Once signed, the treaty will need to be ratified by all 27 member states, as well as Montenegro itself.