Negotiations
EU law (the acquis) is split into 35 chapters, grouped into 6 thematic clusters. Chapters 34 and 35 are handled at the very end, outside the clusters. A cluster opens as a whole by unanimity of all 27 member states. Its chapters are then closed one by one, also by unanimity.
Data verified as of 15 Jun 2026
Chapter readiness (EC's latest report):Early stageSomeModerateGoodWell advanced
1FundamentalsOpens first, closes last2 of 5 chapters provisionally closedOpen
Opened 22 Jun 2021Primary sourceEuropean Commission (DG NEAR)View source
- 5Public procurementGoodProvisionally closed
- 18StatisticsModerateIn negotiation
- 23Judiciary and fundamental rightsModerateIn negotiation
- 24Justice, freedom and securityModerateIn negotiation
- 32Financial controlGoodProvisionally closed
2Internal Market6 of 9 chapters provisionally closedOpen
Opened 22 Jun 2021Primary sourceEuropean Commission (DG NEAR)View source
- 1Free movement of goodsModerateIn negotiation
- 2Freedom of movement for workersSomeProvisionally closed
- 3Right of establishment and freedom to provide servicesGoodProvisionally closed
- 4Free movement of capitalGoodProvisionally closed
- 6Company lawGoodProvisionally closed
- 7Intellectual property lawWell advancedProvisionally closed
- 8Competition policyModerateIn negotiation
- 9Financial servicesModerateIn negotiation
- 28Consumer and health protectionModerateProvisionally closed
3Competitiveness & Inclusive Growth4 of 8 chapters provisionally closedOpen
Opened 22 Jun 2021Primary sourceEuropean Commission (DG NEAR)View source
- 10Digital transformation and mediaGoodProvisionally closed
- 16TaxationModerateIn negotiation
- 17Economic and monetary policyModerateIn negotiation
- 19Social policy and employmentSomeIn negotiation
- 20Enterprise and industrial policyGoodProvisionally closed
- 25Science and researchGoodProvisionally closed
- 26Education and cultureGoodProvisionally closed
- 29Customs unionModerateIn negotiation
4Green Agenda & Sustainable Connectivity1 of 4 chapters provisionally closedOpen
Opened 22 Jun 2021Primary sourceEuropean Commission (DG NEAR)View source
- 14Transport policyModerateIn negotiation
- 15EnergyGoodIn negotiation
- 21Trans-European networksModerateProvisionally closed
- 27Environment and climate changeSomeIn negotiation
5Resources, Agriculture & Cohesion2 of 5 chapters provisionally closedOpen
Opened 22 Jun 2021Primary sourceEuropean Commission (DG NEAR)View source
- 11Agriculture and rural developmentModerateProvisionally closed
- 12Food safety, veterinary and phytosanitary policyModerateIn negotiation
- 13FisheriesModerateProvisionally closed
- 22Regional policy and coordination of structural instrumentsModerateIn negotiation
- 33Financial and budgetary provisionsSomeIn negotiation
6External Relations1 of 2 chapters provisionally closedOpen
Opened 22 Jun 2021Primary sourceEuropean Commission (DG NEAR)View source
- 30External relationsGoodProvisionally closed
- 31Foreign, security and defence policyWell advancedIn negotiation
Outside the clusters (handled last)
- 34InstitutionsNot started
- 35Other issuesNot started
Who supports, who blocks
The political state of play around this accession — where member states and EU institutions stand, each attributed. "Resolved" marks a block that has since been lifted.
- Supportive
EU institutions — The frontrunner: in 2026 the EU set up the body to draft Montenegro’s accession treaty — the first time it has started this step for a candidate since Croatia.