European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos announced on 21 May 2026 that the drafting of Montenegro's Accession Treaty has already begun, calling it a clear recognition of the country's progress and an encouragement to accelerate remaining reforms. Speaking in a speech marking the 20th anniversary of Montenegro's independence, Kos said Montenegro's place inside the European Union is now taking shape and that the next chapters of European history will be written together.
Kos, who experienced Slovenia's own path to independence, drew parallels between statehood and EU membership, describing both as promises of solidarity and shared responsibility. She emphasised that the EU does not replace statehood but amplifies states' capacity to protect citizens, defend freedoms, and create prosperity in a world where no European country alone can shape the forces around it. The speech contained no new concrete policy proposals or numerical targets but reaffirmed the EU's commitment to Montenegro's accession process, which has been ongoing for years.
The commissioner's remarks come as Montenegro has made steady progress in EU accession negotiations, having opened all 33 negotiating chapters and provisionally closed three. The start of Accession Treaty drafting is a procedural step that signals the final phase of negotiations, though the timeline for completion remains uncertain. Kos urged national determination and unity in the final stretch, noting that no one reaches this stage without enormous effort.
In a personal reflection, Kos recalled growing up when Slovenians and Montenegrins were equal without borders separating them, and expressed hope that a united Europe can help heal the wounds of the past. She framed Montenegro's future in the EU as part of a broader regional integration, stating that the future of all Western Balkan neighbours lies in the Union.
For Montenegro's government and citizens, the announcement of Accession Treaty drafting is a major political milestone that could boost investor confidence and accelerate domestic reforms. For EU institutions, the move reinforces the credibility of the enlargement process, though it may face scrutiny from member states wary of rapid expansion. For businesses in Montenegro, closer EU integration promises access to the single market and EU funds, but also requires costly alignment with EU regulations. For other Western Balkan candidates, Montenegro's progress may set a precedent and increase pressure on their own reform efforts.