Radonjić: More chapters closed than open proves EU membership is an achievable national goal

With 18 out of 33 negotiating chapters now provisionally closed, Montenegro has, for the first time, completed more of its accession process than what remains ahead. This is not merely a matter of negotiation statistics. It is a European milestone and proof that full EU membership is no longer a distant promise, but an achievable national objective – said Advisor to the President of Montenegro for European Affairs, Miloš Radonjić after yesterday’s closure of two additional chapters - Chapter 8 (Competition Policy) and Chapter 29 (Customs Union).

According to him, this represents a major national achievement and confirms that Montenegro has entered the final and decisive phase of its accession to the European Union.

- Every chapter that is closed means a better-governed country, stronger institutions, a fairer economy, and tangible benefits for citizens. Chapters are not closed for Brussels, but for Montenegro. Behind every closed chapter there must be institutions that function effectively, rules that apply equally to everyone, and a state its citizens can trust. This is therefore a success for everyone who has worked for years on Montenegro’s European transformation, but it is also an obligation to approach the final stage with even greater seriousness, speed, and responsibility - Radonjić said.

According to him, the final stage of Montenegro’s European path leaves no room for institutional inertia, political calculations, blockages, or delays in implementing reforms.

- Montenegro no longer needs to prove that it belongs in Europe. That has long been clear. Today, what we must prove is that we have the determination, responsibility, and political maturity to complete this process and assume the place that rightfully belongs to us - Radonjić emphasized.

He stressed that the objective must remain unequivocal: to complete the accession negotiations by the end of 2026, enabling Montenegro to be ready to become the 28th member of the European Union by 2028.

- In this regard, fulfilling the Copenhagen political criteria and strengthening the rule of law will serve as the litmus test of our overall democratic maturity. Constitutional amendments, the completion of the Constitutional Court, and electoral reform are processes that should be finalized as soon as possible. At the same time, improving the track record of final court judgments will give full meaning to the fight against corruption and organized crime - he stated.

The door to Europe, as he described, is open.

- The support of our partners is there, and a historic opportunity lies before us. There are no more excuses. Institutions must accelerate reforms, political actors must place the national interest above partisan interests, and Montenegro must complete the job. No one else will make this decision for us. It is now up to us to decide whether we will turn this opportunity into membership - Radonjić concluded.