Accession of Montenegro to the European Union

Accession of Montenegro to the European Union is on the agenda for future enlargement of the EU.

EU accession process of Montenegro
Current StatusScreened Negotiating Candidate
Possible entry: 2025[1]
Overview
Chapters open30
Chapters closed3
Prerequisites & Negotiations
European perspective recognizedJune 2006
Potential candidate status grantedDecember 2002
Association Agreement1 May 2010
Membership application15 December 2008
QuestionnaireSent
22 June 2009
Approved
9 November 2009
Application approved17 December 2010
Candidate status granted17 December 2010
Screening completed27 June 2013
Negotiations start29 June 2012
Negotiations finishTBD
Travel
Schengen visa liberalisation19 December 2009
Economic & Monetary Policy
EU Development aidInstrument for Pre-Accession Assistance
National currency and the EuroAdopted the Euro on 1 January 2002
Impact
New EU statistics upon accession
Population446,828,803447,431,248
Increase 0.13%
Area4,233,262 km2
1,634,472 mi2		4,237,074 km2
1,639,805 mi2
Increase 0.3%
HDI0.8960.893
Decrease 0.3%
GDP (PPP)$25.399 trillion$25.4 T
Increase 0.07%
GDP per capita (PPP)$56,928$56,768
Decrease 1.3%
GDP$17.818 trillion$18.5 T
Increase 0.04%
GDP per capita$39,940$41,347
Decrease 3.8%
Gini30.029.36
Positive decrease 0.4%
Official Languages24Montenegrin
Increase +1
International Institutions & Organizations
Energy Community & Infrastructure Programmes
Politics of Montenegro
Constitution
Executive
Legislative
Judiciary
Political parties
Recent elections
Administrative divisions
Foreign relations

Shortly after voting for independence from the State Union of Serbia and Montenegro in a referendum in 2006, Montenegro began the process of accession to the European Union by agreeing to a Stabilisation and Association Agreement with the EU, which officially came into force on 1 May 2010.

Montenegro officially applied to join the EU on 15 December 2008, and membership negotiations began on 29 June 2012. With all the negotiating chapters opened, the country enjoys a widespread support among EU members' officials, and accession of the country to the EU is considered possible by 2025,[2] though as of September 2023 30 chapters still remain to be closed. It is one of eight current EU candidate countries, together with Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Moldova, North Macedonia, Serbia, Turkey and Ukraine.

History

Note: This section covers the relationship between Montenegro and the EU since Montenegro's potential candidate status was granted.

Main article: Montenegro–European Union relations

Identification

Montenegro was granted potential candidate status in December 2002, when it was still in a union with Serbia. The country's European Perspective was recognized by the EU in June 2006 at the Thessaloniki Summit.

Recommendation

The European Commission recommended Montenegro as candidate country on 9 November 2010.

Candidacy

Montenegro officially was granted candidate status on 17 December 2010.[3]

Membership application

Montenegro officially applied to join the EU on 15 December 2008.[4]

Questionnaire

On 23 April 2009, the Council invited the European Commission to submit its opinion on the application. The Commission presented Montenegro with a questionnaire to assess its application on 22 July 2009.[5] On 9 December 2009, Montenegro delivered its answers to the EC questionnaire.[6] In 2010, the Commission issued a favourable opinion on Montenegro's application, identifying seven key priorities that would need to be addressed for negotiations to begin.

Treaties

Stabilisation and Association Agreement

The State Union of Serbia and Montenegro started the process of Accession to the European Union in November 2005, when negotiations over a Stabilisation and Association Agreement began. Such agreements were concluded by the EU with states that have expressed a wish to become members. In exchange for commitments to political, economic, trade, or human rights reform in the country, it may be offered tariff-free access to some or all EU markets (industrial goods, agricultural products, etc.), and financial or technical assistance. In May 2006, Montenegro voted for independence in a referendum and the State Union of Serbia and Montenegro was dissolved. Serbia continued with the existing SAA negotiations, and separate negotiations were launched with Montenegro in September 2006.[7][8][9] The Agreement was initialled on 15 March 2007, and officially signed on 15 October 2007. After all the 27 member-states of EU had ratified the SAA, it came into force on 1 May 2010.[10][11]

Status of SAA ratification
Event North Macedonia [12] Croatia [13] Albania [14] Montenegro [15][Note 1] Bosnia and
Herzegovina [17]		 Serbia [18][Note 2] Kosovo [19][Note 3]
SAA negotiations start 2000-04-05 2000-11-24 2003-01-31 2005-10-10 2005-11-25 2005-10-10 2013-10-28[21]
SAA initialled 2000-11-24 2001-05-14 2006-02-28 2007-03-15 2007-12-04 2007-11-07 2014-07-25[22]
SAA/IA signature 2001-04-09 2001-10-29 2006-06-12 2007-10-15 2008-06-16 2008-04-29 2015-10-27[23]
Interim Agreement:
EC ratification 2001-04-27 2002-01-30 2006-06-12 2007-10-15 2008-06-16 2009-12-08 N/A [Note 4]
SAP state ratification 2001-04-27 2002-01-30 2006-10-09 2007-11-14 2008-06-20 2008-09-22 N/A [Note 4]
entry into force 2001-06-01 2002-03-01 2006-12-01 2008-01-01 2008-07-01 2010-02-01 N/A [Note 4]
Deposit of the instrument of ratification:
SAP state 2001-04-27 2002-01-30 2006-11-09 2007-11-13 2009-02-26 2008-09-22 2016-02-26
Austria 2002-09-06 2002-03-15 2008-05-21 2008-07-04 2009-09-04 2011-01-13 N/A
Belgium 2003-12-29 2003-12-17 2008-10-22 2010-03-29 2010-03-29 2012-03-20 N/A
Bulgaria entered the EU later 2008-05-30 2009-03-13 2010-08-12 N/A
Croatia entered the EU later N/A
Cyprus entered the EU later 2008-05-30 2008-11-20 2009-07-02 2010-11-26 N/A
Czech Republic entered the EU later 2008-05-07 2009-02-19 2009-07-23 2011-01-28 N/A
Denmark 2002-04-10 2002-05-08 2008-04-24 2008-06-25 2009-05-26 2011-03-04 N/A
Estonia entered the EU later 2007-10-17 2007-11-22 2008-09-11 2010-08-19 N/A
Finland 2004-01-06 2004-01-06 2007-11-29 2009-03-18 2009-04-07 2011-10-21 N/A
France 2003-06-04 2003-06-04 2009-02-12 2009-07-30 2011-02-10 2012-01-16 N/A
Germany 2002-06-20 2002-10-18 2009-02-19 2009-11-16 2009-08-14 2012-02-24 N/A
Greece 2003-08-27 2003-08-27 2009-02-26 2010-03-04 2010-09-20 2011-03-10 N/A
Hungary entered the EU later 2007-04-23 2008-05-14 2008-10-22 2010-11-16 N/A
Ireland 2002-05-06 2002-05-06 2007-06-11 2009-06-04 2009-06-04 2011-09-29 N/A
Italy 2003-10-30 2004-10-06 2008-01-07 2009-10-13 2010-09-08 2011-01-06 N/A
Latvia entered the EU later 2006-12-19 2008-10-17 2009-11-12 2011-05-30 N/A
Lithuania entered the EU later 2007-05-17 2009-03-04 2009-05-04 2013-06-26 N/A
Luxembourg 2003-07-28 2003-08-01 2007-07-04 2009-06-11 2010-12-22 2011-01-21 N/A
Malta entered the EU later 2008-04-21 2008-12-11 2010-01-07 2010-07-06 N/A
Netherlands 2002-09-09 2004-04-30 2007-12-10 2009-01-29 2009-09-30 2012-02-27 N/A
Poland entered the EU later 2007-04-14 2009-02-06 2010-04-07 2012-01-13 N/A
Portugal 2003-07-14 2003-07-14 2008-07-11 2008-09-23 2009-06-29 2011-03-04 N/A
Romania entered the EU later 2009-01-15 2010-01-08 2012-05-22 N/A
Slovakia entered the EU later 2007-07-20 2008-07-29 2009-03-17 2010-11-11 N/A
Slovenia entered the EU later 2007-01-18 2008-02-07 2009-03-10 2010-12-07 N/A
Spain 2002-10-04 2002-10-04 2007-05-03 2009-03-12 2010-06-15 2010-06-21 N/A
Sweden 2002-06-25 2003-03-27 2007-03-21 2009-03-11 2009-09-14 2011-04-15 N/A
United Kingdom 2002-12-17 2004-09-03 2007-10-16 2010-01-12 2010-04-20 2011-08-11 N/A
European Communities or
European Union and Euratom		 2004-02-25 2004-12-21 2009-02-26 2010-03-29 2015-04-30 2013-07-22 2016-02-24 [Note 5]
SAA entry into force 2004-04-01 2005-02-01 2009-04-01 2010-05-01 2015-06-01 2013-09-01 2016-04-01[27]
EU membership (SAA lapsed) (TBD) 2013-07-01 (TBD) (TBD) (TBD) (TBD) (TBD)

N/A: Not applicable.

  1. Montenegro started negotiations in November 2005 while a part of Serbia and Montenegro (SiM). Separate technical negotiations were conducted regarding issues of sub-state organizational competency. A mandate for direct negotiations with Montenegro was established in July 2006. Direct negotiations were initiated on 26 September 2006 and concluded on 1 December 2006.[16]
  2. Serbia started negotiations in November 2005 while part of SiM, with a modified mandate from July 2006.
  3. Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008 but is still claimed by Serbia as part of its territory. The European Union remains divided, with five EU member states not recognizing its independence. The EU launched a Stabilisation Tracking Mechanism for Kosovo] on 6 November 2002 with the aim of aligning its policy with EU standards. On 10 October 2012 the European Commission found that there were no legal obstacles to Kosovo signing a SAA with the EU, as independence is not required for such an agreement.[20]
  4. No Interim Agreement associated with Kosovo's SAA was concluded.[24]
  5. Kosovo's SAA was the first signed after the entry into force of the Lisbon treaty, which conferred a legal personality to the EU. As a result, unlike previous SAAs Kosovo's is exclusively between it and the EU and Euratom, and the member states are not parties independently.[21][25][26]

EU programs and organisations

Eastern Partnership: 22 January 2007

Energy Community: joined 15 December 2006

European Network of Transmission System Operators for Electricity:

Public opinion

Montenegro's population is overwhelmingly pro-EU, with 76.2% being in favour according to polling and only 9.8% against, in October 2009.[28]

As of May 2023, the support of the citizens of Montenegro for the country's membership in the European Union reached a record high level of 79.3%, according to a survey commissioned by the EU Delegation to Montenegro. 75.9% of citizens believe that Montenegro will become a member of the EU. Over 90% of citizens would vote in the referendum, and 81.1% of those voting would support Montenegro's membership in the EU.[29]

Negotiations

In December 2011, the Council agreed to launch the accession process, with negotiations beginning on 29 June 2012.

With all the negotiating chapters opened, the country enjoys a widespread support among EU members' officials, and accession of the country to the EU is considered possible by 2025.[30] In its 2016 assessment of the accession progress, European Commission has identified Montenegro as having the highest level of preparation for membership among the negotiating states. Until 2020, Montenegro had received €507 million of developmental aid from the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance, a funding mechanism for EU candidate countries.

Montenegro is experiencing ecological, judicial and crime-related problems that may hinder its bid.[31] Montenegro signed an agreement with the Bulgarian government in December 2007 in which Bulgaria will assist Montenegro with its Euro-Atlantic and EU integration for the following three years.[32] To work on these matters the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration of Montenegro has a special agency dedicated to accession to the EU, the Office for assistance to the Chief Negotiator. The goal of the office is to support the task of the Chief Negotiator for Montenegro's Accession to EU, Zorka Kordić. On 27 July 2010, the Parliament passed a non-discrimination law that includes sexual orientation and gender identity as prohibited grounds of discrimination. This was one of the requirements the country had to meet for EU membership.[33]

There are currently thirty chapters opened, three chapters that have been provisionally closed, and two chapters in which there is nothing to adopt.

Clusters of negotiating chapters[34]
ClustersAcquis ChapterState of PlayCluster Opened Cluster Closed
OverviewOverview33 out of 336 out of 6 0 out of 6
Fundamentals 23. Judiciary & Fundamental RightsOpenedOpened –
24. Justice, Freedom & SecurityOpened
Economic criteria –
Functioning of democratic institutions –
Public administration reform –
5. Public ProcurementOpened
18. StatisticsOpened
32. Financial ControlOpened
Internal Market 1. Free Movement of GoodsOpenedOpened –
2. Freedom of Movement For WorkersOpened
3. Right of Establishment & Freedom To Provide ServicesOpened
4. Free Movement of CapitalOpened
6. Company LawOpened
7. Intellectual Property LawOpened
8. Competition PolicyOpened
9. Financial ServicesOpened
28. Consumer & Health ProtectionOpened
Competitiveness

and inclusive growth

 10. Information Society & MediaOpenedOpened –
16. TaxationOpened
17. Economic & Monetary PolicyOpened
19. Social Policy & EmploymentOpened
20. Enterprise & Industrial PolicyOpened
25. Science & ResearchClosed
26. Education & CultureClosed
29. Customs UnionOpened
Green agenda

and sustainable connectivity

 14. Transport PolicyOpenedOpened –
15. EnergyOpened
21. Trans-European NetworksOpened
27. EnvironmentOpened
Resources, agriculture

and cohesion

 11. Agriculture & Rural DevelopmentOpenedOpened –
12. Food Safety, Veterinary & Phytosanitary PolicyOpened
13. FisheriesOpened
22. Regional Policy & Coordination of Structural InstrumentsOpened
33. Financial & Budgetary ProvisionsOpened
External relations 30. External RelationsClosedOpened –
31. Foreign, Security & Defence PolicyOpened
34. Institutions–––
35. Other Issues–– –
Chapter and Screening Dates
Progression33 / 33 33 / 33 33 / 33 3 / 33
Acquis chapterScreening startedScreening completedChapter openedChapter closed
Overview33 out of 3333 out of 3333 out of 33[35]3 out of 33[35]
1. Free Movement of Goods2013-01-142013-03-062017-06-20–
2. Freedom of Movement For Workers2013-05-132013-06-072017-12-11[36]–
3. Right of Establishment & Freedom To Provide Services2012-10-232012-11-302017-12-11[36]–
4. Free Movement of Capital2013-01-182013-02-212014-06-24[37]–
5. Public Procurement2012-09-272012-11-192013-12-18–
6. Company Law2012-10-022012-11-222013-12-18–
7. Intellectual Property Law2012-10-112012-11-212014-03-31–
8. Competition Policy2012-10-032012-12-042020-06-30–
9. Financial Services2013-04-172013-06-112015-06-22[38]–
10. Information Society & Media2012-12-062013-01-222014-03-31–
11. Agriculture & Rural Development2012-11-062012-12-132016-12-13–
12. Food Safety, Veterinary & Phytosanitary Policy2012-10-152013-02-012016-06-30–
13. Fisheries2013-03-142013-06-062016-06-30–
14. Transport Policy2013-04-222013-05-302015-12-21–
15. Energy2013-02-272013-04-112015-12-21–
16. Taxation2013-04-082013-04-302015-03-30–
17. Economic & Monetary Policy2013-01-102013-02-262018-06-25–
18. Statistics2013-06-032013-06-252014-12-16[39]–
19. Social Policy & Employment2013-01-232013-03-132016-12-13–
20. Enterprise & Industrial Policy2012-10-252012-11-282013-12-18–
21. Trans-European Networks2013-04-222013-05-302015-06-22[38]–
22. Regional Policy & Coordination of Structural Instruments2012-11-142012-12-182017-06-20–
23. Judiciary & Fundamental Rights2012-03-26[40]2012-05-312013-12-18–
24. Justice, Freedom & Security2012-03-28[40]2012-05-252013-12-18–
25. Science & Research2012-09-242012-09-252012-12-182012-12-18[41]
26. Education & Culture2012-09-262012-11-162013-04-152013-04-15[42]
27. Environment & Climate Change2013-02-042013-03-222018-12-10[43]–
28. Consumer & Health Protection2013-02-192013-04-162014-12-16[39]–
29. Customs Union2013-05-232013-06-212014-12-16[39]–
30. External Relations2013-05-142013-06-122015-03-302017-06-20
31. Foreign, Security & Defence Policy2013-05-172013-06-272014-06-24[37]–
32. Financial Control2013-05-162013-06-192014-06-24[37]–
33. Financial & Budgetary Provisions2013-05-152013-06-262014-12-16[39]–
34. InstitutionsN/AN/AN/AN/A
35. Other IssuesN/AN/AN/AN/A
Report History
Acquis chapterOctober 2011[44] October 2012[45] October 2013[46] October 2014[47] November 2015[48] November 2016[49] April 2018[50] May 2019[51] October 2020[52] October 2021[53] October 2022[54]
1. Free Movement of GoodsModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately prepared
2. Freedom of Movement For WorkersEarly stageEarly stageEarly stageEarly stageEarly stageSome level of preparationSome level of preparationSome level of preparationSome level of preparationSome level of preparationSome level of preparation
3. Right of Establishment & Freedom To Provide ServicesFurther efforts neededModerately preparedConsiderable efforts neededModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately prepared
4. Free Movement of CapitalSome level of preparationFurther efforts neededModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately prepared
5. Public ProcurementFurther efforts neededModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedGood level of preparation†
6. Company LawFurther efforts neededModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedGood level of preparationGood level of preparationGood level of preparationGood level of preparationGood level of preparationGood level of preparation
7. Intellectual Property LawFurther efforts neededModerately preparedGood level of preparationGood level of preparationGood level of preparationGood level of preparationGood level of preparationGood level of preparationGood level of preparationGood level of preparationGood level of preparation
8. Competition PolicyFurther efforts neededModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately prepared
9. Financial ServicesFurther efforts neededModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately prepared
10. Information Society & MediaModerately preparedModerately preparedFurther efforts neededModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately prepared
11. Agriculture & Rural DevelopmentEarly stageEarly stageEarly stageEarly stageSome level of preparationModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately prepared
12. Food Safety, Veterinary & Phytosanitary PolicyEarly stageEarly stageEarly stageEarly stageSome level of preparationModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately prepared
13. FisheriesFurther efforts neededEarly stageEarly stageEarly stageEarly stageEarly stageEarly stageSome level of preparationSome level of preparationSome level of preparationSome level of preparation
14. Transport PolicyFurther efforts neededModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedGood level of preparationGood level of preparationGood level of preparationGood level of preparation†Good level of preparation†Good level of preparation†
15. EnergyModerately preparedEarly stageModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedGood level of preparationGood level of preparationGood level of preparationGood level of preparationGood level of preparationGood level of preparation
16. TaxationFurther efforts neededEarly stageModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately prepared
17. Economic & Monetary PolicyConsiderable efforts neededModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately prepared
18. StatisticsModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedSome level of preparationSome level of preparationModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately prepared
19. Social Policy & EmploymentEarly stageConsiderable efforts neededFurther efforts neededEarly stageSome level of preparationSome level of preparationSome level of preparationSome level of preparationSome level of preparationSome level of preparationSome level of preparation
20. Enterprise & Industrial PolicyConsiderable efforts neededFurther efforts neededModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedGood level of preparation†Good level of preparation†Good level of preparation†
21. Trans-European NetworksFurther efforts neededEarly stageModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedGood level of preparation†Good level of preparation†Good level of preparation†
22. Regional Policy & Coordination of Structural InstrumentsEarly stageConsiderable efforts neededEarly stageEarly stageModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately prepared
23. Judiciary & Fundamental RightsFurther efforts neededModerately preparedFurther efforts neededFurther efforts neededModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately prepared
24. Justice, Freedom & SecurityFurther efforts neededModerately preparedFurther efforts neededEarly stageModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately prepared
25. Science & ResearchModerately preparedFurther efforts neededGood level of preparationGood level of preparationGood level of preparationGood level of preparationGood level of preparationGood level of preparationGood level of preparationGood level of preparationGood level of preparation
26. Education & CultureModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedGood level of preparationGood level of preparationGood level of preparationGood level of preparationGood level of preparationGood level of preparationGood level of preparationGood level of preparation
27. Environment & Climate ChangeConsiderable efforts neededEarly stageEarly stageEarly stageEarly stageSome level of preparationSome level of preparationSome level of preparationSome level of preparationSome level of preparationSome level of preparation
28. Consumer & Health ProtectionFurther efforts neededModerately preparedModerately preparedNo major difficulties expectedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately prepared
29. Customs UnionFurther efforts neededModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately prepared
30. External RelationsFurther efforts neededModerately preparedModerately preparedNo major difficulties expectedGood level of preparationGood level of preparationGood level of preparationGood level of preparationGood level of preparationGood level of preparationGood level of preparation
31. Foreign, Security & Defence PolicyFurther efforts neededModerately preparedModerately preparedNo major difficulties expectedGood level of preparationGood level of preparationGood level of preparationGood level of preparationGood level of preparationGood level of preparationGood level of preparation
32. Financial ControlSome level of preparationEarly stageModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately prepared
33. Financial & Budgetary ProvisionsEarly stageEarly stageEarly stageEarly stageEarly stageEarly stageEarly stageEarly stageEarly stageSome level of preparationSome level of preparation
34. InstitutionsNothing to adoptNothing to adoptNothing to adoptNothing to adoptNothing to adoptNothing to adoptNothing to adoptNothing to adoptNothing to adopt Nothing to adoptNothing to adopt
35. Other IssuesNothing to adoptNothing to adoptNothing to adoptNothing to adoptNothing to adoptNothing to adoptNothing to adoptNothing to adoptNothing to adopt Nothing to adoptNothing to adopt
Legend:

Chapters in bold indicate completed chapters.

† indicates chapters in which the European Commission has simultaneously awarded the chapter both "moderately prepared" AND "good level of preparation".

  totally incompatible   early stage   considerable efforts needed   some level of preparation   further efforts needed   moderately prepared   no major difficulties expected   good level of preparation   well prepared / well advanced

Economy

Developmental Aid

Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance

IPA I
€236 M
(2007-2013)

IPA II
€271 M
(2014-2020)

IPA III
c. €300 M
(2021-2027)

Unilateral euro adoption
Main article: Montenegro and the euro

Montenegro has no currency of its own. As a constituent republic of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia following World War II, and later of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, Montenegro used the Yugoslav dinar as its official currency. In November 1999, the government of Montenegro unilaterally designated the Deutsche Mark as its co-official currency with the dinar, and on 1 January 2001 the dinar officially ceased to be a legal tender in Montenegro.[55][56] When the euro was introduced and the Deutsche Mark yielded in 2002, Montenegro followed suit and began using the euro as well, with no objection from the European Central Bank (ECB).[57][58]

The European Commission and the ECB have since voiced their discontent over Montenegro's unilateral use of the euro on several occasions.[59] A statement attached to their Stabilisation and Association Agreement with the EU read: "unilateral introduction of the euro was not compatible with the Treaty."[60] The EU insists on the strict adherence to convergence criteria (such as spending at least 2 years in the ERMII system) which are not negotiable before euro adoption, but have not intervened to stop the unilateral adoption of the euro by Montenegro in 2002.[59][61] The issue is expected to be resolved through the negotiations process.[59] The ECB has stated that the implications of unilateral euro adoption "would be spelled out at the latest in the event of possible negotiations on EU accession."[60]

Diplomats have suggested that it's unlikely Montenegro will be forced to withdraw the euro from circulation in their country.[57][60] Radoje Žugić, Montenegro's Minister of Finance, has stated that "it would be extremely economically irrational to return to our own currency and then later to again go back to the euro."[62] Instead, he hopes that Montenegro will be permitted to keep the euro and has promised "the government of Montenegro, will adopt some certain elements, which should fulfil the conditions for further use of the euro; such as adopting fiscal rules."[62]

Travel

Schengen Visa liberalisation process

On 1 January 2008, the visa facilitation and readmission agreements between Montenegro and the EU entered into force.[63] Montenegro was added to the list of visa exempt nationals on 19 December 2009, allowing their citizens to enter the Schengen Area, Bulgaria, Cyprus and Romania without a visa when traveling with biometric passports.[64] The visa liberalisation process does not include travels to Ireland which, with the United Kingdom which left the EU during Montenegro's accession process, operate the Common Travel Area for visas outside of the Schengen Area.[65]

From January 2024 citizens of Montenegro will be required to register on the EU's ETIAS before entering the Schengen area.[66]

Montenegro's foreign relations with EU member states
  • Italy Italy
  • Latvia Latvia
  • Lithuania Lithuania
  • Luxembourg Luxembourg
  • Malta Malta
  • Netherlands Netherlands
  • Poland Poland

See also

References
  1. "Montenegro – a lead candidate for EU accession" (PDF). European Parliament.
  2. "Montenegro Targets 2025 to be Ready for EU Accession". Balkan Insight. 26 March 2021. Retrieved 12 April 2021.
  3. "Commission Opinion on Montenegro's application for membership of the European Union" (PDF). Retrieved 5 September 2017.
  4. Montenegro formally applies to join European Union at the Wayback Machine (archive index) EUbusiness, 16 December 2008, archived on 26 April 2009 from the original Archived 17 December 2008 at the Wayback Machine
  5. "EC questionnaire to Montenegro" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 30 July 2009. Retrieved 5 September 2017.
  6. "Montenegro delivers answers to EC questionnaire". Retrieved 5 September 2017.
  7. Enlargement Process – Montenegro Key Events Archived 22 May 2007 at the Wayback Machine, European Commission, accessed on 10 January 2007
  8. Germany prepares to take over EU presidency, Southeast European Times, 19 December 2006, accessed on 10 January 2007
  9. "Montenegro". European Commission. Retrieved 9 December 2013.
  10. "SAA comes into force for Montenegro". Archived from the original on 3 May 2010.
  11. "Montenegro: Stabilisation and Association Agreement comes into force". Archived from the original on 23 February 2012. Retrieved 2 May 2010.
  12. "SAA Agreement with Macedonia". Council of the European Union. Retrieved 20 April 2010.
  13. "SAA Agreement with Croatia". Council of the European Union. Retrieved 20 April 2010.
  14. "SAA Agreement with Albania". Council of the European Union. Retrieved 20 April 2010.
  15. "SAA Agreement with Montenegro". Council of the European Union. Retrieved 20 April 2010.
  16. "EU, Montenegro complete negotiations on pre-membership deal to bring country closer to bloc". International Herald Tribune. The Associated Press. 1 December 2006. Archived from the original on 25 September 2008. Retrieved 4 April 2011.
  17. "SAA Agreement with Bosnia". Council of the European Union. Retrieved 20 April 2010.
  18. "SAA Agreement with Serbia". Council of the European Union. Retrieved 20 April 2010.
  19. "SAA Agreement with Kosovo*". Council of the European Union. Retrieved 7 December 2016.
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