Gorčević: Montenegro has grounds to conclude EU accession negotiations by the end of 2026

The minister recalled that, since the previous meeting of the EU–Montenegro Parliamentary Stabilisation and Association Committee, the number of provisionally closed chapters had increased from 14 to 21, representing an important step toward concluding the accession negotiations. Gorčević stressed that the European Parliament and the Parliament of Montenegro have an important role in the final stage of accession through political leadership, legislative work and democratic oversight, thereby helping maintain political momentum and achieve the shared European goal. The rule of law remains the key priority of the final stage of negotiations, and Gorčević said that work on obligations under Chapters 23 and 24 had intensified, including judicial reforms, aligning legislation with the EU acquis and prosecuting corruption cases, including high-level corruption. She highlighted that improved capacities to combat organised crime and conduct financial investigations, together with the appointment of the director of the Police Administration and all four assistant directors to full terms, contribute to continuity in leadership. She also referred to progress in combating money laundering, confirmed by improved MONEYVAL ratings for 13 FATF recommendations, none of which is now considered non-compliant. Speaking about Chapter 27 – Environment and Climate Change, Gorčević said that mapping had been completed for areas intended for the future Natura 2000 network, which covers 44.15% of Montenegro’s territory, and that activities continue to protect the Ulcinj Salina, improve waste management, develop the circular economy and align climate policies with EU standards.