Timeline
This country's accession timeline, newest first. Each item links to its primary source. We summarise in our own words and never republish article text.
Data verified as of 15 Jun 2026
- Position
Government target: EU membership by 2028
Montenegro’s government aims to become the EU’s next member by 2028. Stored as an attributed political target, not a confirmed date.
- Milestone
Two more chapters provisionally closed — 16 of 33
At the 27th Accession Conference the EU and Montenegro provisionally closed Chapter 2 (free movement of workers) and Chapter 28 (consumer and health protection), bringing the total to 16 of 33.
- Milestone
EU begins drafting Montenegro’s accession treaty
EU ambassadors agreed to set up the body to draft Montenegro’s accession treaty — the first time since 2013 the EU has started this step for a candidate.
- Milestone
Accession negotiations open
The first Intergovernmental Conference opened accession negotiations with Montenegro.
- Milestone
EU grants Montenegro candidate status
The European Council granted Montenegro candidate-country status.
- Milestone
Montenegro applies for EU membership
Montenegro formally applied to join the European Union.