2025 Commission report on Montenegro
The European Parliament adopted by 483 votes to 103, with 70 abstentions, a resolution on the 2025 Commission report on Montenegro.
Commitment to joining the European Union
Members welcomed Montenegro's steady progress on EU-related reforms, supported by broad political commitment and the ambition to conclude negotiations by the end of 2026. They welcomed the widespread support among Montenegrin citizens for the country's European path, with a large majority expressing confidence in Montenegro's future within the EU. Parliament reaffirmed its full support for the country's future within the EU.
Members reaffirmed that Montenegro remains the most advanced candidate country and stressed that the pace and sequencing of enlargement must continue to be determined by the principle of individual merit. Progress towards accession should be assessed strictly on the basis of the objective achievement of established benchmarks.
Parliament encouraged all political actors to remain mobilised, to continue their momentum in order to successfully complete the accession negotiations and to intensify their efforts to carry out the necessary reforms.
Members welcomed Montenegro's full and resolute alignment with the EU's Common Foreign and Security Policy, including EU restrictive measures, especially those concerning Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine. However, they remained concerned about the persistent and increasing foreign interference and disinformation campaigns orchestrated by actors from third countries in Montenegro, which aim to undermine the country's strategic orientation towards EU and NATO membership. Parliament called for tailored support from the EU and NATO, as well as enhanced cooperation with Montenegro, to develop stronger measures to counter these hybrid threats.
Democracy, rule of law, human rights
Members emphasised the importance of the Montenegrin parliament in the accession process and underlined the key role it plays in ensuring democratic accountability, parliamentary oversight and transparency in the legislative process.
Parliament called on Montenegro to:
- ensure that judicial appointments are made more quickly and are based on transparent and merit-based procedures, free from any political influence;
- continue aligning its legal framework with EU acquis and European standards regarding the independence of the judiciary, accountability, impartiality, integrity and professionalism;
- further improve the record of investigations and prosecutions in major corruption cases and to put in place comprehensive integrity policies to protect law enforcement and the judiciary from corruption and organised crime;
- fully align its visa policy with that of the EU.
Parliament deplored the continued discrimination, hate speech, and hate crimes against national minorities and vulnerable groups, including Roma and Egyptians, people with disabilities, and LGBTIQ+ people, in Montenegro. It called for the application of equal treatment to ethnic communities to be strengthened, ensuring that all ethnic, religious, and social groups are guaranteed equal rights and opportunities and can participate fully and meaningfully in social, political, and economic life. Montenegro is urged to adopt and implement comprehensive legislation and policies that prevent discrimination and promote inclusivity.
Members called for ensuring the effective implementation of frameworks relating to fundamental rights, particularly with regard to access to justice and the protection of vulnerable people, combating discrimination against women and establishing support systems for victims of gender-based violence and domestic violence.
Parliament also called for full transparency regarding media ownership structures and foreign funding sources, particularly when linked to foreign political actors or state interests, in order to prevent any covert external influence on Montenegro's public discourse.
Socio-economic reforms
Parliament welcomed Montenegro's engagement to the EU’s growth plan for the Western Balkans. It commended the progress made by the country in implementing its reform agenda, for which EUR 18 million has been disbursed, and stressed the importance of measurable and sustainable results in the implementation of reforms, particularly in the areas of the rule of law and public finance management.
Members continue to encourage Montenegro to make full and effective use of all EU funding allocated to it, including by improving administrative capacities, accelerating programming and procurement and strengthening coordination.
Lastly, Parliament urged Montenegro to intensify its efforts towards a sustainable and green transition and to finally adopt and implement its national energy and climate plan.