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Montenegro

December 1, 2021

Montenegro is a candidate country for the European Union (EU) membership. Its European perspective was reaffirmed by the Council in June 2006, after the recognition of the country’s independence by EU Member States.

By the act of signing the Stabilisation and Association Agreement (Oct. 15th 2007), Montenegro formally agreed an association with the European Community and its Member States, thereby accepting responsibility for its European future. The accession negotiations with Montenegro were opened on 29 June 2012.

Diplomatic relations between Montenegro and the European Union are conducted through the Mission of Montenegro to the EU in Brussels, which has been fully functional since 2006, and the EU Delegation (EUD) to Montenegro in Podgorica, which opened in November 2007.

The EUD to Montenegro is responsible for analysing and reporting on political, economic and trade developments, promoting reform progress, and also for implementing and managing an EU financial assistance portfolio and improving visibility and communication of the EU in Montenegro.

The Joint Consultative Committee (JCC) is a civil society platform established between the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) and Montenegrin civil society. It complements with a civil society point of view the EU institutional framework related to the Stabilisation and Association Agreement between the EU and Montenegro. This joint institution allows civil society organisations on both sides to monitor the country’s accession negotiations. It is also a platform to discuss issues of common interest and to inform the public at large on the challenges ahead during the accession period.

For more information on EU activities in Montenegro click here.