The European Union Enlargement Commissioner, Marta Kos, said on Thursday in Podgorica that Montenegro and all future member states will face “democratic safeguards” aimed at preventing backsliding on the bloc’s values.
“This is not specifically about Montenegro – it will apply to all future members. But as the most advanced candidate, Montenegro would be the first to join under these democratic safeguards,” Kos told a joint press conference with Montenegrin Prime Minister Milojko Spajic.
She said the proposed “insurance mechanism” would allow the bloc to react if a new member fails to uphold agreed standards, while stressing that countries meeting all conditions would enjoy full rights.
“EU treaties are very clear – if you meet all the conditions, you will receive 100 per cent of the rights,” she said – a reference to the mooted ‘second-tier’ membership idea for Balkan states, which Brussels has ruled out.
Kos said Montenegro had made “remarkable progress” in recent years and “is now the most advanced in the EU accession process”.
“Montenegro is in the endgame, but there is still a lot of work ahead, including some of the most difficult reforms,” she said, stressing the need for strong and stable institutions to guarantee democracy, the rule of law and human rights.
“It is not only about adopting or amending laws. The laws must also be of high quality to make your country strong and fully prepared for EU membership,” she added.
Kos outlined three key priorities for Podgorica: accelerating reforms, strengthening the rule of law and ensuring media independence.
“Montenegro must speed up the pace of reforms. You have set ambitious goals, and the European Commission fully supports you – we want you to succeed,” she said.
On the rule of law, Kos said the country had yet to meet EU standards: “This must be your absolute priority. Every member state must have an independent judiciary and the capacity to fight high-level corruption and organised crime.” She underscored that media freedom is non-negotiable: “We will never compromise on this.”
She said the accession process had reached a decisive phase. “The last enlargement took place in 2013. Now we need to bring this process over the line. Like in sports, it requires team spirit and full mobilisation for the final stretch,” Kos said.
Calling Montenegro the “frontrunner,” she said this status comes with higher expectations and called for unity among political actors and civil society “This would be the best possible gift for the 20th anniversary of your independence,” she declared.
Kos recalled her earlier pledge to mark the closure of all negotiating chapters by climbing the country’s Bobotov Kuk, adding that she has already begun training.
Prime Minister Milojko Spajic said the reform process was unfolding in line with the plan adopted in August 2024.
He said negotiating chapters are being closed according to the planned timeline, but there is always room to accelerate progress and further improve the work of institutions. “It is not at all a question of when and how it [the process] will be closed. What is important is that we go according to plan,” said Spajc.