Few ideas have defined the European project as powerfully as the belief that democracy, reform and economic openness should be rewarded with inclusion.
In Strasbourg this week, Montenegro’s President, Jakov Milatović, offered a timely reminder that enlargement remains one of the European Union’s most successful strategic tools.
Addressing Members of the European Parliament, Milatović declared that Montenegro is ready to become the next member of the European Union. For a bloc often accused of bureaucratic inertia, Montenegro’s steady progress offers an encouraging counter-narrative: that determined reform, sustained political commitment and constructive engagement can still deliver tangible results.
The symbolism matters. Enlargement has, in recent years, been overshadowed by a succession of crises, from the pandemic and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine to economic uncertainty and migration pressures. Yet the promise of European integration has historically been among the EU’s most effective instruments for promoting stability and prosperity across the continent.
Montenegro, with a population of just over 600,000, has emerged as the frontrunner among the Western Balkan candidate states. The country opened accession negotiations with Brussels in 2012 and has spent more than a decade aligning its institutions, legislation and governance structures with European standards. It is now widely regarded as the most advanced candidate in the accession process.
Milatović’s message to MEPs was clear: Montenegro’s accession would represent a shared European success. He argued that the country’s entry into the Union would demonstrate that reforms produce results and that the European ideal remains open to those willing to embrace its values.
For Brussels, there is strategic logic in ensuring that such optimism is rewarded. The Western Balkans remain a region where geopolitical competition is intensifying. A credible enlargement policy reinforces the EU’s influence, encourages democratic resilience and promotes economic convergence. In this context, Montenegro’s progress provides an opportunity for the Union to demonstrate that membership remains attainable.
There are, of course, hurdles still to overcome. Judicial independence, anti-corruption efforts and institutional reforms remain essential components of the accession process. The European Union has become more cautious following previous enlargements, with several member states advocating stronger safeguards to ensure adherence to democratic norms after accession.
Yet Montenegro appears increasingly well-positioned to meet those expectations. The establishment of preparatory mechanisms for drafting an accession treaty has been interpreted by many observers as evidence that the process is entering its final phase.
The country’s leadership has also maintained a consistently pro-European orientation. Since joining NATO in 2017, Montenegro has sought to anchor itself firmly within Euro-Atlantic institutions. EU membership represents the logical culmination of that trajectory.
For businesses and investors, accession would bring benefits extending beyond symbolism. Greater regulatory alignment, enhanced legal certainty and deeper integration into the single market would strengthen Montenegro’s attractiveness as an investment destination. Tourism, infrastructure development and renewable energy could all receive renewed impetus.
More broadly, Montenegro’s success would send an important signal to neighbouring states. The accession process is demanding and often frustratingly slow. Demonstrating that perseverance is ultimately rewarded could revitalise confidence in the European path throughout the Western Balkans.
The European Union was founded on the premise that cooperation delivers greater security and prosperity than division. Montenegro’s candidacy serves as a reminder that this principle retains its relevance.
At a time when Europe faces profound external and internal challenges, welcoming a well-prepared new member would not simply expand the Union’s geographical footprint. It would reaffirm confidence in the transformative power of the European project itself.
For Montenegro, the destination now appears closer than ever. For Europe, the opportunity is to show that its door remains open to those prepared to undertake the difficult work required to walk through it.
