Prolonged negotiations pose a risk to seizing the current window of opportunity, especially as the EU's interest in enlargement has grown due to regional security concerns.

As a NATO member and a country that has used the euro unilaterally since 2002, Montenegro is seen as a favorable candidate for EU accession, with a relatively straightforward process.

Failure to join by 2028 could reduce Euro-optimism among citizens and increase Russian influence, but it is unlikely to cause immediate geopolitical upheaval.

Montenegro aims to complete all remaining negotiation chapters by 2026, with the goal of joining the EU as the 28th member in 2028, following an agreed roadmap with the European Commission.

The country is making rapid progress, with five more chapters expected to be finalized by the end of 2025, covering areas like free movement of capital and food safety.

Montenegro broadly supports EU membership, but concerns about Russian influence and pro-Serb forces remain, especially given past incidents like the 2016 failed coup and controversial resolutions.

EU officials emphasize that political stability is crucial for Montenegro's accession, and geopolitical considerations in the Balkan region are increasingly important for European security.

Experts note that the EU's motivation to admit Montenegro is driven by geopolitical reasons, especially amid the current global security environment and the need to strengthen its influence in the Balkans.

European officials suggest that accession could happen around 2028 or 2029, contingent on fulfilling negotiation obligations and maintaining reforms.

Montenegro's application for EU membership dates back to 2008, and it became a full candidate in 2010, with recent acceleration in negotiations making it a frontrunner.

The accession process involves aligning laws with EU standards across 33 chapters; Montenegro has initiated all chapters and completed four so far.

The geopolitical shifts caused by Russia's invasion of Ukraine have increased Europe's focus on Montenegro's EU accession, boosting momentum.