Montenegro closed multiple EU accession chapters in 2025 and is now widely considered the frontrunner among Western Balkan candidates for EU membership.
What happened
Montenegro closed several EU accession negotiation chapters in 2025 and welcomed a new European Investment Bank office.
It is described as the clear frontrunner for the next EU membership among Western Balkan candidates.
Montenegro chairs the Berlin Process in 2026, the initiative advancing economic integration across the Western Balkans.
From November 2026, Montenegro will also chair the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe.
Why it is good news
EU accession for Montenegro would be the bloc’s first enlargement in years and would show other Western Balkan countries that the path to membership remains real.
Source: Atlantic Council