European Commission Report Names Montenegro as Frontrunner for EU Accession

The European Commission released its annual enlargement policy report on Wednesday, identifying Montenegro as the frontrunner among nine candidate countries seeking European Union membership.

The Commission stated that accession negotiations with Montenegro could realistically close by the end of 2026, paving the way for an accession treaty to be signed as early as June 2027 and membership to be finalized in 2028. Montenegro has provisionally closed 21 negotiating chapters, requiring continued implementation of reforms in fundamental rights and financial services.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen highlighted the progress made by frontrunners Montenegro, Albania, Moldova, and Ukraine. However, the Commission refrained from setting formal accession dates for Ukraine and other candidates to encourage ongoing domestic reforms. Albania aims to conclude negotiations by the end of 2027 but must accelerate reforms and improve inclusive political dialogue amidst ongoing domestic protests. Meanwhile, the Commission reported limited or no progress for Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Serbia, and Turkey, warning of backsliding in certain regions.