Montenegro aims for a historic entry into the EU as early as 2028, but the road ahead remains fraught with obstacles.

Montenegro is more determined than ever to become the next member state of the European Union. This small Balkan country hopes to join the European bloc as early as 2028 and thus become the 28th member of the EU, a prospect highlighted even in the communications of its national airline, Air Montenegro, which has adopted the slogan "28 by 28 – The next EU member".

With its population of around 630,000, Montenegro appears to be one of the most accessible candidates for Brussels. Its accession would help revive the Union's enlargement policy, which has been stalled since Croatia joined the EU in 2013. Compared to other potential candidates, notably Ukraine, the country is often considered easier to integrate from a demographic and economic standpoint.

In recent weeks, Podgorica has strengthened its position as a frontrunner in the accession race. The European Union recently established a group tasked with preparing the country's future accession treaty, a signal seen as a significant boost for the Montenegrin authorities.

However, the target set for 2028 remains particularly ambitious. Before it can join the Union, Montenegro still needs to complete several major reforms, particularly in the areas of the rule of law, judicial independence, and the fight against corruption. These issues remain a key concern for Brussels.

Montenegrin authorities have launched several anti-corruption initiatives in recent years, but concerns persist regarding the functioning of institutions and media freedom. These issues will be carefully examined by European institutions during the negotiation process.

Even if the country meets the required criteria, its accession will then have to be ratified by all 27 member states of the European Union. A former Yugoslav republic once close to Russia, Montenegro has gradually reoriented its foreign policy towards the West and now hopes to take the final step towards full integration into the European Union.