EU establishes working group for Montenegro accession treaty

The European Union has officially approved the formation of an ad hoc working group tasked with drafting the accession treaty for Montenegro. European Council President Antonio Costa confirmed the decision on April 22, 2026, stating it is a significant step toward the country's membership. This initiative is a priority for the current Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the EU. President Nikos Christodoulides expressed his commitment to supporting Montenegro's integration process. Montenegrin President Jakov Milatovic thanked the Cypriot President for his support and accepted an invitation to visit Nicosia on May 18. Additionally, Montenegro's Foreign Minister, Maida Gorcevic, stated that the country aims to become the 28th EU member by 2028. While the European Commission views this goal as ambitious, it continues to emphasize the importance of the rule of law in the integration process. This move marks the most significant progress in the accession process since Croatia joined in 2013.