On 15 June 2026, the 27th Accession Conference with Montenegro 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. Cyprus Deputy Minister for European Affairs Marilena Raouna, representing the Council presidency, praised Montenegro's steady progress and noted the establishment of an ad hoc Working Party on the Accession Treaty.
EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos highlighted that the Council has begun work on Montenegro's accession treaty for the first time in 17 years and 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 to join the EU in 2028. On non-papers suggesting limitations or probation periods for new members, Raouna viewed them as signs of EU commitment, while Kos stressed that safeguards would be an 'insurance policy' not affecting full membership rights. Regarding 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. Spajić acknowledged that constitutional changes are needed and aims for a supermajority vote to demonstrate rule-of-law commitment. The next steps include continued work on the accession treaty and ratification by all 27 member states.