Montenegro
The day you become an EU citizen
When the accession treaty takes effect, every citizen becomes an EU citizen automatically. No application, no queue. That day is not set yet. This page tracks how close it is, using primary sources.
Data verified as of 15 Jun 2026
Estimated EU citizenship
A live estimate for the base scenario. It changes as milestones land or slip.
Just achieved · 15 Jun 2026
Two more chapters provisionally closed — 16 of 33
The 10 steps to membership
Currently on step 6 — negotiating the EU's rulebook, cluster by cluster. Open any step for the detail and its source.
Application
Done15 Dec 2008Montenegro formally applied to join the European Union.
Candidate status
Done17 Dec 2010The European Council granted Montenegro candidate-country status.
Council agrees to open negotiations
Done26 Jun 2012Negotiating framework + first Intergovernmental Conference
Done29 Jun 2012The first Intergovernmental Conference opened accession negotiations with Montenegro.
Screening of the acquis
Done29 Jun 2012
Cluster-by-cluster negotiations
In progress29 Jun 2012The most advanced candidate: all 33 chapters are open and 16 provisionally closed (as of June 2026). In the concluding phase, with accession-treaty drafting begun in 2026. Montenegro targets 2028 — its own goal, not an EU-confirmed date.
All chapters provisionally closed
Not startedAccession Treaty signed
Not startedRatification by all 27 + European Parliament + candidate
Not startedEntry into force → membership
Not started
The 6 clusters
Negotiations →- Open
#1
Fundamentals
2 of 5 chapters provisionally closed40%Opened 22 Jun 2021Primary sourceEuropean Commission (DG NEAR)View source - Open
#2
Internal Market
6 of 9 chapters provisionally closed67%Opened 22 Jun 2021Primary sourceEuropean Commission (DG NEAR)View source - Open
#3
Competitiveness & Inclusive Growth
4 of 8 chapters provisionally closed50%Opened 22 Jun 2021Primary sourceEuropean Commission (DG NEAR)View source - Open
#4
Green Agenda & Sustainable Connectivity
1 of 4 chapters provisionally closed25%Opened 22 Jun 2021Primary sourceEuropean Commission (DG NEAR)View source - Open
#5
Resources, Agriculture & Cohesion
2 of 5 chapters provisionally closed40%Opened 22 Jun 2021Primary sourceEuropean Commission (DG NEAR)View source - Open
#6
External Relations
1 of 2 chapters provisionally closed50%Opened 22 Jun 2021Primary sourceEuropean Commission (DG NEAR)View source
When will membership actually come?
The forecast separates finishing the negotiations from actually joining — the two are not the same date.
See the forecast →