UPDATE: New reports confirm a significant setback in Montenegro’s EU accession negotiations as France has blocked the closure of crucial chapters, altering the expected outcome of today’s Intergovernmental Conference in Brussels. Instead of the anticipated five chapters, only three will be finalized: Chapter 3 (Right of Establishment and Freedom to Provide Services), Chapter 4 (Free Movement of Capital), and Chapter 6 (Right of Companies).
The situation has raised urgent concerns among political analysts regarding the stability and effectiveness of Montenegro’s government. Danilo Kalezić, a political analyst and associate at the Historical Institute of the University of Montenegro, stated, “There is no real-world example of resolving such a complex issue, like unblocking European integrations, in just 24 hours.” He emphasized that the essence of the negotiations will become clearer as operational measures unfold.
Negotiations originally appeared to be proceeding smoothly until France intervened, blocking the closure of Chapter 11 (Agriculture and Rural Development) and Chapter 13 (Fisheries) during a session of the EU Council Working Group. This unexpected move from France reflects a broader dissatisfaction with Montenegro’s implementation of previous EU recommendations, with the French Agriculture Minister citing ongoing issues and poor communication with Montenegro’s Ministry of Agriculture.
Montenegro’s Minister of Agriculture, Vladimir Joković, disputed these claims, asserting that all necessary actions had been taken and that they had received positive assessments from France, along with the other 26 EU member states. “The stories being circulated that we did something wrong are not accurate,” he emphasized.
The political stakes are high as the Montenegrin government, led by Prime Minister Milojko Spajić, intensifies diplomatic efforts to resolve this crisis. The situation poses risks not only for Montenegro’s EU aspirations but also for the broader stability of the region.
Kalezić pointed out the government’s tendency to simulate reforms rather than enact substantial changes, which he believes has led to this diplomatic failure. He remarked, “Whenever there is a need for a significant qualitative leap, they retreat and fail to deliver.”
As the situation develops, observers are keenly watching how Montenegro navigates the fallout from France’s blockade. Kalezić warned that the French position, while seemingly focused on specific chapters, may be indicative of deeper grievances within Franco-Montenegrin relations that extend beyond agriculture and fisheries.
Montenegro first obtained candidate status for EU membership in December 2010 and opened negotiation chapters in June 2012. To date, it has opened all 33 negotiation chapters, with today’s conference intended to pave the way for the drafting of the accession agreement with the EU.
This latest setback not only complicates Montenegro’s immediate accession efforts but also raises questions about the effectiveness of its current government in addressing both internal and external challenges.
As the nation awaits further developments, analysts stress the urgency for the Montenegrin government to reassess its strategies to regain momentum in the EU integration process. The next steps in these negotiations are critical, and the outcome could have lasting implications for the country’s future.
