Kosovo: Montenegro in the final of historic EU membership match, but must agree with Croatia

European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos stated on Wednesday that Montenegro must resolve outstanding bilateral disputes with Croatia to advance its European Union accession process, even though these specific issues are not part of the formal negotiation chapters. Kos emphasized that further progress requires the unanimous consent of all 27 member states, making political agreement essential despite technical completion of negotiations. She spoke during an interview with Radio Montenegro at the start of her two-day visit to the country. The commissioner described the signing of an accession treaty by the summer of 2027 as realistic. She confirmed that Brussels supports the vision of Montenegro becoming the 28th EU member state in 2028. Kos noted that Montenegro has completed nearly all necessary steps within the negotiating framework. However, she distinguished between the technical aspects of the talks and the political support required from member states. Without the green light from all members, the process cannot move forward in Brussels. Croatia has openly expressed its interests regarding several unresolved matters. Kos welcomed recent steps taken by Montenegro and the ongoing dialogue between the two nations. She assessed that both countries are on the right path to resolving these bilateral questions. The Montenegrin government addressed two of eight open issues with Croatia earlier this week. Officials renamed a swimming pool in Kotor that had borne the name of a former guard at the Morinj camp. They also approved a memorial plaque for the site of a former camp for Croatian prisoners. Remaining disputes include compensation for war prisoners, ownership of the ship Jadran, and the demarcation of the border between the two states. Kos praised recent constitutional amendments in Montenegro related to integrity checks for candidates seeking cabinet positions. She viewed these changes as a significant step toward full membership. The assembly’s actions brought the country closer to its goal, she said. This outcome demonstrates that representatives understand the importance of being in the final stage of one of the most critical historical processes for the nation. Addressing criticism regarding Andrija Mandic, president of the Montenegrin parliament, Kos stated that only the assembly can decide on parliamentary leadership. Mandic faced opposition when his removal was voted upon, and he drew criticism for expressing sympathy to the family of convicted war criminal Ratko Mladic. Kos asserted that there is no place in the European Union for glorifying war criminals. Reconciliation and respect for victims are values of great significance in Europe. Political leaders bear responsibility for promoting these values through their actions. Both Kos and Commission President Ursula von der Leyen have highlighted the necessity of reconciliation and respect for victims. Kos is participating in the Berlin Process summit held in Budva on Wednesday and Thursday. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is attending the meeting. Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic, Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, and leaders of all six Western Balkan states have confirmed their participation. Montenegro holds the rotating presidency of the Berlin Process this year. The initiative, launched in 2014, aims to strengthen regional cooperation and bring the Western Balkans closer to the EU. During the summit, discussions will focus on regional cooperation, connectivity, and the European integration of the Western Balkans. A key topic will be how the EU can assist Montenegro in concluding its accession negotiations and achieving full membership. Kos observed that European leaders recognize the substantial progress Montenegro has made. The country’s results are attracting increasing interest from member states. Following the Western Balkans summit in Tivat in June, where French President Emmanuel Macron visited for the first time, the current arrival of the German chancellor adds to international visibility. Kos believes each leader is impressed by the developments. She expects the summit to enhance Montenegro’s European perspective and serve as a message to other regional states that enlargement is geopolitically vital today. The assembly’s recent decisions and the upcoming diplomatic engagements underscore the momentum behind Montenegro’s bid for union membership.