Germany has expressed strong optimism regarding Montenegro’s EU accession, acknowledging the nation’s significant progress. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul noted that Brussels and all European capitals are attentively listening to the Western Balkan country’s ambition. He made these remarks after attending the annual Berlin Process meeting in Budva, Montenegro.
Montenegro stands out as a frontrunner among the six regional candidates. The small nation is reportedly targeting 2028 for full membership, potentially becoming the EU’s 28th member state. Public support for Montenegro’s drive for EU accession is remarkably high, estimated at around 80%.
Minister Wadephul emphasized Montenegro’s ‘remarkable progress’ toward EU membership on social media. He added that the country serves as an example for the wider Western Balkans region. During a meeting with his Montenegrin counterpart, Ervin Ibrahimovic, Wadephul stated that nations willing and able to meet EU criteria could succeed in the coming years.
Montenegro has steadily advanced its European integration. It adopted the euro as its de facto currency in 2002. Furthermore, the country declared independence from its union with Serbia in 2006. It later joined NATO in 2017, marking significant steps towards Euro-Atlantic integration.
EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos also participated in the Budva talks. She previously indicated that completing technical negotiations might be possible by year-end. This prospect makes Montenegro’s 2028 timeline for EU membership appear increasingly realistic. The country’s ongoing economic and democratic reforms underpin this positive assessment.
Among other Western Balkan candidates, Albania is also considered promising. However, Kosovo’s journey towards EU membership remains considerably more complex. Five existing EU member states still do not recognize Kosovo’s independence from Serbia, posing a significant challenge.
