Montenegro’s EU Ambitions: A Path Fraught with Challenges
Montenegro is currently the closest of the candidate countries to becoming the 28th member of the European Union. As of now, the Balkan state has completed 13 of the 33 chapters in the accession process. The government in Podgorica aims to become a member state by 2028, a goal the European Commission considers realistic.
Hungary’s Shadow Over Expansion
However, concerns within EU structures regarding further enlargement have grown in recent years. These concerns are largely fueled by instances where Hungary, under Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, appears to “veto” EU policies. For example, at the complete of February, Hungary, along with Slovakia, blocked the 20th package of EU sanctions against Russia. Orbán’s government also opposed the approval of a €90 billion aid package for Ukraine.
Such situations are not uncommon, prompting discussions within the highest EU bodies about “lessons learned from the 2004 enlargement,” according to one European Commission official who requested anonymity. The 2004 enlargement saw eight states from the former Soviet bloc join the Union, including Hungary, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic.
Safeguarding EU Principles: Modern Accession Safeguards
The accession treaty with Montenegro is expected to reflect these “lessons.” The EU plans to include “long-term guarantees” in the agreement, providing a mechanism to respond if the Balkan state were to deviate from the principles of democracy and the rule of law upon which the EU is founded.
Reforming the Veto Power
Work on the specific points of the accession treaty for Montenegro is expected to begin during the current Cypriot presidency of the Council of the EU. A working group will be established within weeks to draft the treaty.
The exact form of the treaty remains unclear. “Notice some ideas, but no concrete points have been submitted yet,” one European diplomat told Politico, also requesting anonymity.
Discussions are underway regarding limiting the right of veto. Specifically, there is consideration of suspending it in cases where new member states violate fundamental EU values, such as the rule of law. Most decisions currently require qualified majority voting, but foreign and security policy matters demand unanimous agreement, making sanctions approvals particularly challenging.
However, any restriction on veto power is a sensitive issue, even for Montenegro. A state official indicated that limiting voting rights would be a “red line” for the country.
External Factors and French Hesitation
Another potential obstacle to enlargement is the requirement for unanimous consent from all existing EU member states. France, currently, is hesitant about expansion and is also slowing down the drafting of the treaty with Montenegro, reportedly due to upcoming presidential elections.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Montenegro’s current status in the EU accession process?
A: Montenegro has completed 13 of the 33 chapters required for EU membership and aims to join by 2028.
Q: What are the main concerns regarding Montenegro’s EU accession?
A: Concerns center around potential backsliding on democratic principles and the rule of law, as well as the need for safeguards against future violations.
Q: What role does Hungary play in the EU enlargement process?
A: Hungary’s recent actions, such as blocking sanctions against Russia and aid to Ukraine, have raised concerns about the EU’s ability to reach consensus on key issues.
Q: Could Montenegro’s veto power be limited if it joins the EU?
A: Discussions are ongoing about potentially limiting the veto power of member states in certain circumstances, but this is a sensitive issue for Montenegro.
Did you know? Montenegro first used the name “Black Mountain” to describe the country in the late 15th century.
Pro Tip: Stay informed about the latest developments in EU enlargement by following reputable news sources like Politico and the European Commission’s official website.
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