Zenović to Portal ETV: All chapters can be closed this year - 2026 is a test of the state’s maturity

Montenegro’s Chief Negotiator with the European Union, Predrag Zenović, stated that the final phase of the negotiation process has entered a stage in which the focus is no longer on ambition, but on responsibility, credibility, and the institutional maturity of the state. In an interview with Portal ETV, Zenović clearly, thoroughly, and without reservation pointed to the achievements so far, as well as to the obligations facing Montenegro on its path to full membership in the European Union.

From ambition to credibility

Zenović said that just a year ago, the idea that Montenegro could obtain the IBAR (Interim Benchmark Assessment Report) within six months and then close ten negotiation chapters in a single year sounded politically impossible.

- Today, that is a fact. That is precisely why the question of whether it is realistic for Montenegro to complete all obligations and close negotiations with the European Union by the end of 2026 is no longer a matter of ambition, but of credibility and continuity – he highlighted.

He emphasized that the accession process has never been a mere administrative exercise, but rather a deeply political and institutionally demanding process.

- The closing of negotiation chapters represents a political decision, based on detailed technical assessments, formally confirmed by the European Commission and unanimously approved by the Member States. That is why Montenegro is now conducting negotiations in parallel across all areas, with a clear goal - to have, before each intergovernmental conference, a ready and credible package of chapters for political closure - he stated.

Results confirming institutional maturity

He highlighted that so far 13 out of 33 chapters have been provisionally closed, including Chapter 32 - Financial Control and Chapter 5 - Public Procurement, both from the Fundamental Cluster, stressing their systemic importance.

- These are areas that directly measure a state’s capacity to manage public finances, ensure transparency, and prevent systemic corruption. Their closure is not symbolic - it confirms the institutional maturity of the system and readiness for the final phase of negotiations – he said.

Rule of law remains the central axis

Zenović particularly emphasized that the chapters within the Fundamental Cluster remain the key axis of negotiations.

- Chapter 23 - Judiciary and Fundamental Rights and Chapter 24 - Justice, Freedom and Security remain the central axis of negotiations and will stay under heightened scrutiny until the very end. Here, it is not about counting laws, but about results: an independent and efficient judiciary, the fight against high-level corruption and organized crime, the protection of fundamental rights and media freedom - and a track record of final convictions, that is, proof that the rule of law system functions – he said.

Most demanding chapters: administrative and financial challenges

Speaking about the technically and financially most demanding areas, Zenović said these involve serious and long-term state obligations.

- Chapter 27 - Environment and Climate Change and Chapter 12 - Food Safety, Veterinary and Phytosanitary Policy are chapters that require not only political will, but serious administrative capacity, expertise, long-term investment, and consistent implementation of European standards in practice - from waste and water management to food chain control and public health issues – he stated.

Full implementation of the EU acquis

Zenović underlined that one of the key challenges in the final phase of negotiations remains the translation and full implementation of the European Union acquis, along with strengthening administrative capacities at all levels.

- This is a process that does not end with the adoption of regulations, but with their understanding and application in the daily work of institutions. Despite the complexity of this task, I am convinced that this segment of the process will also be fully addressed through institutional strengthening, targeted technical support, and clear political responsibility – he said.

Political momentum and the final stage

Referring to the political context, he noted that additional momentum is expected during the Cypriot, and subsequently the Irish, Presidency of the Council of the EU, along with a clear message from Brussels.

- What is being sought is not merely the formal closing of chapters, but the lasting, sustainable, and irreversible implementation of reforms. At the same time, the awareness of all 27 Member States of the importance of Montenegro’s European future - not only for us, but for the region and for the European Union itself, must be unanimous – he stressed.

In conclusion, Zenović emphasized that Montenegro today has the capacity to close all negotiation chapters during this year and to fulfill all obligations for membership by the end of 2026.

- But the final stage of the process requires the highest level of responsibility. European integration is not the project of one government or one mandate - it is a test of institutional maturity, political culture, and the state’s capacity to assume the full responsibility of equal membership in the European Union - Zenović concluded in his interview with the ETV Portal.