The 27th Accession Conference with Montenegro on 15 June 2026 provisionally closed Chapter 2 (Freedom of Movement for Workers) and Chapter 28 (Consumer and Health Protection), bringing the total number of closed chapters to 16 out of 33. The meeting also marked the first time in 17 years that the Council has begun work on Montenegro's accession treaty, with an ad hoc Working Party on the Accession Treaty established. EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos announced that the Commission will adopt a financial package for a Union of 28 next week. Prime Minister Milojko Spajić set an ambitious target to close all remaining chapters by the end of 2026 and join the EU in 2028, acknowledging that constitutional changes are needed and aiming for a supermajority vote to demonstrate rule-of-law commitment. On non-papers suggesting limitations or probation periods for new members, Cyprus Deputy Minister for European Affairs Marilena Raouna viewed them as signs of EU commitment, while Kos stressed that safeguards would be an 'insurance policy' not affecting full membership rights. On Albania, Kos confirmed the Commission is monitoring a luxury tourism project linked to Jared Kushner, insisting it must comply with EU environmental standards under Chapter 27; she welcomed that the right to protest is respected. The next steps include continued work on the accession treaty and ratification by all 27 member states.
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