At a crucial EU-Montenegro Intergovernmental Conference in Brussels on June 26, the IBAR report was adopted, ending a long-standing freeze on Montenegro’s EU membership negotiations.
This significant milestone comes after a decade of stalled progress, highlighting Montenegro’s efforts and commitment to meet EU standards.
Belgian Foreign Minister Hadja Lahbib and EU Enlargement Commissioner Oliver Varhelyi emphasized the importance of this development, with Varhelyi noting the EU’s readiness for further expansion. The adoption of the IBAR report and the presentation of final benchmarks for closing accession chapters mark a new phase in Montenegro’s EU integration journey.
Montenegro’s Prime Minister Milojko Spajić expressed optimism, acknowledging the country’s lengthy wait for this achievement and predicting significant technical advancements in the next 18 to 24 months. With Serbia’s negotiations currently stalled, Montenegro is now seen as the leading candidate for EU membership in the Western Balkans.
Photo: X/OliverVarhelyi