"This represents a significant step forward in Montenegro's accession process and sends a strong signal to all enlargement partners that EU membership remains within reach. The Cyprus Presidency will continue to support Montenegro, as well as all candidates, on their path to accession, in line with the merit-based principle. We also look forward to the provisional closure of additional negotiation chapters with Montenegro during our Presidency, once the necessary conditions are met," said the Cyprus Presidency spokesperson.
As a reminder, the mandate of the working group, set by the member states, states that it is necessary to establish a special ad hoc Working Group that will act in a timely manner, starting as a priority with the necessary technical adjustments to the EU acquis, followed by the drafting of an Accession Treaty with Montenegro, based on further guidance from the member states on the horizontal elements of future accession treaties.
It is emphasized that the Strategic Agenda for the period 2024–2029 emphasizes the importance of enlargement as a geostrategic investment in peace, security, stability and prosperity.
“Looking ahead to the prospect of a further enlarged Union, future Member States, as well as the EU itself, must be prepared. As stated in the Granada Declaration, candidate countries should intensify their reform efforts, in particular in the area of the rule of law, in line with the merit-based principle that characterises the accession process and with the support of the EU. In parallel, the Union should lay the necessary internal foundations and implement reforms. This will make the EU stronger and reinforce European sovereignty,” the document establishing the ad hoc group states.
It added that the EU will continue to work on internal reforms. It stated that Montenegro has made significant progress on its path towards the EU in recent years.
"Accession negotiations with Montenegro are at an advanced stage. At this stage, Montenegro has opened all clusters and provisionally closed 14 chapters. The Council reaffirmed its support for Montenegro's further progress on its European path and looks forward to the provisional closure of additional chapters once the conditions are met," the mandate of the Ad Hoc Group states.
The Ad Hoc Working Group will be chaired by the rotating Presidency and will function within the framework of the EU General Affairs Council. The Group will cease to exist once the work on the Accession Treaty with Montenegro and related acts has been completed.
