Montenegro Rejects Second-Class EU Membership, Targets 2028 Accession

OPA WIRE, Nov 3 (OPA) — Montenegro will reject any form of second-class European Union membership, European Affairs Minister Maida Gorčević said Tuesday at the Euronews Enlargement Summit in Brussels. The Balkan nation is positioning itself as a frontrunner in the enlargement process, aiming to become the bloc's 28th member by 2028.

Speaking to regional officials, Gorčević expressed confidence that all negotiating chapters would be closed this year. Addressing proposals for a 15-year transition period tied to rule-of-law safeguards, she stressed that Podgorica demands full integration. While pushing back against restricted status, she noted the government supports safeguards meant to strengthen future membership.

Podgorica is also navigating regional politics and bilateral disputes ahead of potential accession. Gorčević expressed hope that recent political shifts in Serbia following the defeat of longtime leader Aleksandar Vučić by the reformist Student List in late October will benefit the wider Western Balkans. Zagreb recently circulated an eight-point paper outlining demands regarding Balkan war grievances that must be settled before Montenegro joins.

Gorčević stated that Montenegro is committed to resolving its ongoing border and historical disputes with Croatia, though she suggested some bilateral issues could be resolved after accession. Pointing to unresolved border matters between Slovenia and Croatia, she argued that pending disputes should not serve as an absolute obstacle to Montenegro's final integration into the European Union.