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 7 Aug 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 Market7 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 policyModerateProvisionally closed
- 9Financial servicesModerateIn negotiation
- 28Consumer and health protectionModerateProvisionally closed
3Competitiveness & Inclusive Growth5 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 unionModerateProvisionally closed
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.