Deputy Minister for European Affairs Marilena Raouna praises "tangible progress" as Montenegro provisionally closes two critical negotiation chapters under the guidance of the Cyprus Presidency, keeping the ambitious "28 by 2028" target firmly alive.

Progress at the 27th EU–Montenegro Accession Conference

The 27th EU–Montenegro Accession Conference marked the provisional closure of two additional negotiation chapters, bringing the country one step closer to European integration. Specifically, Chapter 2 on the free movement of workers and Chapter 28 on consumer and health protection were provisionally closed.

Speaking on behalf of the Cyprus Presidency, on Monday evening, Deputy Minister for European Affairs Marilena Raouna emphasized that the development carries particular significance, as it was the third Intergovernmental Conference with Montenegro held during the Cyprus Presidency.

“Today marks another important milestone in Montenegro’s accession process, in our shared European journey,” the Deputy Minister said, describing the outcome as “tangible progress that demonstrates the steady pace of Montenegro’s accession negotiations and the continued commitment it has shown in advancing the reforms necessary for EU membership.”

Raouna stressed that the provisional closure of the two chapters is not merely a technical achievement but “reflects concrete efforts to align legislation, strengthen institutions, and deliver results that directly improve the lives of Montenegro’s citizens. These are reforms that bring Montenegro ever closer to the standards, values, and opportunities that define our Union.”

The Cyprus Presidency’s Track Record on Enlargement

Referring to the Cyprus Presidency’s record on enlargement, Raouna noted that earlier in its term it secured agreement in the Council on establishing an ad hoc working party on Montenegro’s Accession Treaty, describing it as a crucial step in preparing the final phase of the accession process.

“Today’s achievement is not only about closing two chapters. It is really about opening further opportunities. It is about reinforcing confidence, and it sends a message to all enlargement partners: dedication and hard work lead to results,” she said.

Concluding her remarks, Raouna reaffirmed Cyprus’ commitment to Montenegro’s accession path: “We remain fully committed to advancing Montenegro’s accession path and to maintaining momentum in the weeks and months ahead. The Cyprus Presidency will continue to work until the very last day. The Cyprus Presidency promised that it would deliver results on enlargement. And it has.”

Assessing the Feasibility of the "28 by 2028" Timeline

EU Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos congratulated Montenegro on its progress and announced that the Commission intends to approve next week a financial package for Montenegro that will propose ways of adapting the EU budget to a Union of 28 member states. “We are preparing,” Kos said.

Responding to a question from the Cyprus News Agency on whether accession by 2028 is an ambitious target, the Commissioner stated that “28 by 2028” remains achievable, provided Montenegro continues implementing the necessary reforms, particularly in the areas of the rule of law, media freedom, and democratic institutions.

Addressing the same question, Raouna noted that what determines the progress of any candidate country and the speed of its EU path is how quickly it implements the required reforms and how genuinely committed it is to the accession process.

“We know all too well the conditions of this accession process, and Cyprus remembers very well how arduous the road to joining the European Union is. There is a reason why it is so demanding, but it is worth it. I believe Montenegro has demonstrated that the commitment is there,” she said.

Montenegrin Prime Minister Milojko Spajić described the day as a “Mega Monday,” reaffirming his country’s ambition:

“Montenegro is neither delaying nor improvising. We keep our word and deliver results. By the end of the year, we intend to close all negotiating chapters so that Montenegro can become the 28th member state of the European Union in 2028.”

Source: CNA(ΚΥΠΕ)