The EU is preparing to accelerate Montenegro’s accession negotiations, with plans to close all remaining negotiating chapters by the end of 2026 and prepare a first draft of the Accession Treaty by the end of September, Pobjeda reports. The move follows consultations among ambassadors of key EU Member States amid concerns over increased regional hybrid influence that could affect Montenegro’s European path. The European Commission is expected to intensify coordination while stressing that Montenegro must complete its remaining reforms. At the next EU–Montenegro intergovernmental conference, another four or five chapters could be provisionally closed. Work on the Accession Treaty is already proceeding in parallel, following the establishment of a dedicated Council working group earlier this year. The EU is also expected to support intensified dialogue between Montenegro and Croatia to prevent unresolved bilateral issues from obstructing the completion of accession negotiations. Read more here.
Source: European Western Balkans