The EU and Montenegro have provisionally closed the chapter on trans-European networks in the accession negotiations

The 26th meeting of the Accession Conference with Montenegro provisionally closed the accession negotiations on Chapter 21 (Trans-European Networks).

In the current geopolitical context, enlargement is, more than ever, a geostrategic investment in peace, security, stability and prosperity. I am pleased to see that another chapter of negotiations with Montenegro is being closed today, at the second Intergovernmental Conference for Montenegro under the Cyprus Presidency, bringing the total number of such conferences to 14. Montenegro remains a key player in the enlargement process and today’s progress confirms the strong momentum of its accession negotiations, which are based on its own merits.

Marilena Raouna, Deputy Minister for European Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus, on behalf of the Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the EU.

The EU may, if necessary, return to this chapter at the appropriate time.

This provisional closure comes less than two months after the previous accession conference, held on 26 January 2026, at which Chapter 32 on financial control was provisionally closed. Monitoring of progress in alignment with the acquiscommunautaire and its implementation will continue throughout the negotiations.

Montenegro has opened all 33 negotiation chapters of its EU accession process. With the provisional closure agreed today, a total of fourteen chapters have now been provisionally closed. In accordance with the negotiating principles adopted by the Accession Conference, agreements reached during negotiations on specific chapters will not be considered final until an overall agreement has been reached on all chapters.

Background

The European Union delegation was led by Ms Marilena Raouna, Deputy Minister for European Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus, on behalf of the Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the EU, with the participation of the Commissioner for Enlargement, Ms Marta Kos. The Montenegrin delegation was led by Mr Milojko Spajić, Prime Minister of Montenegro.

More information: European Commission.