"The negotiations themselves, preceded by various phases of assessing the state's readiness, were opened in 2012, with rapid initial progress. Namely, one chapter was provisionally closed that same year, and by the end of 2015, almost half of the chapters had been opened and another one had been provisionally closed. However, in the following years, the pace slowed down, so it took almost eight years to open all chapters, and to date, 14 chapters have been provisionally closed. By 2017, three chapters had been provisionally closed, and the changed geopolitical context, which has put enlargement back high on the EU agenda, has led to the process being re-intensified and some previously, to a solid extent, chapters being actualized. Thus, three chapters were provisionally closed in 2024, six in 2025, and two so far in 2026," the statement reads.
The same geopolitical developments, CCE adds, were also reflected in the dynamics of Albania's European integration, giving Montenegro competition.
"Unlike Montenegro, which took almost eight years to open all chapters, Albania completed the same work in less than three years, from 2022 to 2025, with a record speed for opening clusters, by which negotiation chapters are now grouped," the CCE said.
According to them, such dynamics indicate strong political will, but at the same time it raises the question of the quality and sustainability of reforms.
"Although Montenegro still has a significant advantage - with 14 provisionally closed chapters compared to Albania, which has not yet closed any - the accelerated progress of Albania is increasingly being highlighted, which in some statements by European officials is positioning itself as the new "front-runner", a term previously associated primarily with Montenegro, and the Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos characterized Albania's progress as "unprecedented," the statement said.
As they pointed out, this is also contributed by the perception of Albania's stronger economic ties with the EU in certain segments, but also by the existence of a broader political consensus on European integration issues, as well as the absence of expressed suspicions about the malignant influence of countries with which the EU does not have developed cooperation.
CCE points out that an additional element of uncertainty is introduced by the possibility of Iceland's return to the negotiation process.
As they explained, the country began negotiations in July 2010, recording extremely rapid progress – in less than two years, it managed to open 27 and provisionally close 11 negotiation chapters.
"However, after the change of government in 2013, the new Icelandic government decided to freeze the negotiations, and in 2015, a formal request was made to withdraw the candidacy. However, the application is still formally valid, and a referendum announced for 29 August in 2026 could pave the way for the continuation of negotiations. It is important to point out that Iceland, through its participation in the European Economic Area (EEA), the Schengen Area and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), is already deeply integrated into the European market and applies a significant part of the EU acquis. It also participates in numerous Union programs and agencies, which further indicates a high level of institutional and regulatory alignment. All this supports the assessment that Iceland, with additional efforts to reach an agreement in the area of fisheries, which was a stumbling block earlier, could conclude the accession negotiations relatively quickly," the CCE added.
In such a scenario, as assessed by CCE, Montenegro's position as the next member could be called into question, and several possible outcomes are open. A more favorable scenario implies parallel accession of several smaller countries, while a less favorable one could result in Iceland becoming the next member before Montenegro.
CCE emphasizes that this period of time represents a significant opportunity that Montenegro must not miss, but that the acceleration of the process must be accompanied by real progress in the area of the rule of law, strengthening institutions and consistent application of laws, as well as greater inclusiveness and transparency, which is currently lacking.
"Therefore, CCE calls on the ruling majority to intensify reforms without delay and show the necessary political responsibility, so that Montenegro can maintain its leadership position and successfully conclude negotiations with the EU," they concluded.
