Kos: Croatia’s conditions are not part of the accession negotiations, but bilateral issues must be resolved

Bilateral issues between Montenegro and Croatia are not part of the European Union accession negotiations, but they must be resolved because further progress by Montenegro requires the approval of all 27 EU Member States, European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos said in an interview with Radio Montenegro.

She noted that Croatia has its own interests, but said she was encouraged by the steps Montenegro had taken in recent days towards resolving outstanding issues. Kos believes that signing the accession treaty by the summer of 2027 is a realistic prospect and that Brussels supports the vision of Montenegro becoming the EU’s 28th member in 2028.

Speaking about the outstanding issues between Montenegro and Croatia and the possibility of Croatian demands becoming conditions imposed by Brussels, Kos said it was important to distinguish between the technical aspects of the accession negotiations and the political support of EU Member States.

- I would draw a distinction here between the technical process and the support that every candidate country must receive from all 27 EU Member States. What you have achieved in Montenegro over the past three years is truly something that happens once in a lifetime. Making such significant progress in just three years, as you have done, makes me really proud of you. I hope that you here in Montenegro are proud of yourselves, too - Kos said.

She stressed that Montenegro had done almost everything required in the process so far, but that the green light from all EU Member States was necessary for the country to continue on its European path.

- At that level, you have done almost everything; we only have a little more to do. However, if we want to move forward with this process in Brussels, we need the green light from all 27 Member States. Croatia has its own interests, and it speaks openly about them. I am very pleased that Montenegro has taken steps in recent days and that dialogue between Croatia and Montenegro is taking place. I think you are on the right track towards resolving these bilateral issues as well. These bilateral issues are not part of the accession negotiations, but, for all the reasons I have explained, they must be resolved - Kos stated.

She also commented on the decision by the Parliament of Montenegro, adopted with the support of part of the opposition, to approve a proposal to amend the Constitution regarding integrity checks for candidates for members of the Government.

According to Kos, this decision marked another important step by Montenegro towards full membership in the European Union.