The POSP, a joint body of the Montenegrin and European Parliaments, will hold a meeting on 29 and 30 April 2026, co-chaired by Thomas Weitz, Head of the European Parliament Delegation to the POSP, and Dejan Đurović, Head of the Delegation of the Parliament of Montenegro to the POSP. The meeting will be held in Strasbourg and will be broadcast on the RTCG Parliamentary Programme.
As stated, the POSP reaffirms full support for Montenegro's accession to the European Union, the successful completion of which will bring mutual benefits to the country, the Western Balkans region, and the Union itself.
"Welcomes the steady and significant progress that Montenegro has made on its path towards the European Union since the last meeting of the Stabilisation and Association Parliamentary Committee (SAC) six months ago. The provisional closure of five negotiation chapters at the end of 2025, as well as two additional chapters in 2026, bringing the total number to fourteen, confirms the country's position as a leader in the process of accession to the European Union. It considers that continued public support for accession and broad political support in Montenegro for this strategic goal are key prerequisites for its achievement. It considers that 2026 will be an intensive year for Montenegro, with a large amount of work to be completed," it underlined.
It is emphasized that the regular functioning of Parliament is of crucial importance.
"Therefore, it encourages all political actors in the country to continue to engage constructively, to focus on the overarching goal of concluding the negotiations, and not to allow short-term political divisions to undermine the existing momentum. It calls on social and economic actors to step up their engagement in preparations for accession to the European Union. It is convinced that the discussion of identity issues in the multiethnic society of Montenegro requires broad, inclusive and long-term discussions, in order to secure common interests and avoid polarization," the draft declaration reads.
It is recalled that the key to the successful conclusion of negotiations is the implementation of the final benchmarks for the rule of law chapters 23 and 24.
"It stresses that real progress depends on the effective and sustainable implementation of the adopted reforms, as well as on lasting results in this area. It welcomes the recent appointment of the Director of the Agency for the Prevention of Corruption. It reiterates the need to complete without delay the outstanding appointments in the judiciary, including to the Constitutional Court, as well as the Judicial and Prosecutorial Council, using merit-based and transparent procedures. It also recalls the need to improve the track record of investigations, prosecutions and final judgments in cases of high-level corruption and organised crime. It further recalls that amendments to the Constitution regarding the independence of the judiciary are one of the conditions for obtaining the final benchmarks under Chapter 23, and expects Montenegro to adopt them through a broad consultative process," it said.
The POSP notes the initiated reforms in the security sector and welcomes the results that have already been achieved.
"Recalls that only through parliamentary and judicial oversight can the security system enjoy a high level of citizen trust. Such a process implies the broadest possible political and social support, as well as an inclusive dialogue with the legal profession and civil society organizations. Stresses the need to carefully monitor the implementation of the Law on Internal Affairs and the Law on the National Security Agency and calls on Montenegro to fully align these laws with the acquis communautaire in the area of personal data protection. Reiterates its call for the completion of electoral reform in Montenegro through the full implementation of the OSCE/ODIHR and GREKO recommendations, in particular in the area of financing political entities and election campaigns, as well as updating the voter register. Welcomes the adoption of the new law on the prohibition of discrimination, which is fully aligned with the EU acquis and European standards," the draft declaration states.
It also recalls that full alignment with the list of countries requiring an EU visa is a final benchmark under Chapter 24, as well as a commitment from the Reform Agenda. It also recalls that seasonal visa waivers are incompatible with the EU acquis and calls on Montenegro to make progress in aligning with the EU visa policy.
8″Welcomes the adoption of the National Energy and Climate Plan of Montenegro by the end of 2025. Recalls the significant efforts still needed by the authorities to meet the closing benchmarks for Chapter 27, with a focus on nature protection, water, air quality, waste management and climate change. Calls on Montenegro to accelerate reforms, in particular with regard to reducing dependence on fossil fuel imports in light of recent geopolitical events, reducing carbon dioxide emissions and accelerating electrification. Considers that measures in the area of sustainable tourism and diversification of the tourism offer, in order to reduce dependence on seasonal fluctuations, are necessary for the resilience of the Montenegrin economy. Welcomes the ongoing implementation of the Reform Agenda and takes note with satisfaction of the disbursements of EUR 18 million made so far under the Reform and Growth Instrument. Following Montenegro's successful accession to the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA), which brings concrete benefits to citizens, it welcomes the intention to extend the EU's "Roam Like at Home" area to partners from the Western Balkans," it was stated.
The POSP also welcomes Montenegro's consistent and full alignment with the EU's Common Foreign and Security Policy, including EU restrictive measures, as well as its participation in missions and operations. It also commends the launch of the EU-Montenegro Security and Defence Dialogue in December 2025.
Supports all efforts by the EU and Montenegro to strengthen the country's resilience to foreign information manipulation and interference.
"Recalls that good neighbourly relations and regional cooperation are an important value and political basis for the European path of every candidate, and welcomes the conduct of a dialogue with Croatia in good faith in order to resolve open bilateral issues and achieve progress within Chapter 31 on the Common Foreign and Security Policy," the draft declaration concluded.
