EU says Montenegro on track to become bloc's next member state by 2028

Montenegro is moving toward the final stages of the European Union accession process, with official indications that it could become the next member state of the bloc by 2028. According to reporting from Reuters, the European Commission has stated that the country could sign a formal accession treaty as early as June 2027. This timeline suggests a structured path toward full membership, provided the necessary conditions are met. The current status of the process indicates that the nation is approaching the concluding phase of its long-term effort to join the union, marking a significant milestone in its political and economic trajectory. Various media outlets are tracking these developments with differing emphases. DW.com highlights the 2028 timeline for membership, while Reuters focuses on the specific June 2027 window for the signing of the accession treaty.

EUbusiness.com reports that the country is close to the final stage of the overall accession process. Meanwhile, local coverage from vijesti.me notes that the European Commission has confirmed specific progress in the sector of healthcare, as mentioned by Šimun. These reports collectively show a mix of institutional confirmation of progress and strategic deadlines set by the European Commission. Despite the optimistic timelines, there are warnings and internal frictions regarding the process. EUobserver published an interview with a former EU ambassador for Montenegro who warned that it is currently a matter of "now or never" for enlargement. Additionally, coverage from vijesti.me includes comments from Borančić, who suggests a disconnect between the promises of the Prime Minister and the demands for a reckoning issued by the European Commission.

This context indicates that while the technical path is open, there are significant political pressures and demands for accountability that must be addressed to ensure the timeline is maintained. Future developments will center on whether the European Commission's demands for a reckoning are satisfied and if the healthcare progress continues. Observers will be watching for the arrival of June 2027 to see if the accession treaty is signed as the European Commission has suggested. The ability of Montenegro to navigate the remaining requirements of the accession process will determine if the 2028 membership goal remains viable. Coverage does not yet specify the exact nature of the reckoning demanded by the Commission, but it remains a critical point of focus for the coming months.