Montenegro aims to join European Union by 2028, ambassador says

Montenegro's ambassador to the European Union, Petar Marković, stated that it is very realistic for his country to join the bloc by the end of 2028. Euronews, AOL.co.uk and Yahoo News Singapore all reported that Marković described Montenegro as the frontrunner among candidate countries attempting to secure membership. [1][2][3]

According to Euronews, Marković said Montenegro is ready to become the 28th EU member state by both its own standards and those of the European Commission and current member nations. However, the country faces two main obstacles to achieve full accession. Marković explained that Montenegro must amend its constitution and resolve ongoing disputes with neighbouring EU member state Croatia. [1]

Euronews reported that the disputes with Croatia stem primarily from the Balkan conflicts that took place in the 1990s. Montenegro achieved modern independence following a May 2006 referendum, in which 55.5 percent of voters approved a separation from the State Union of Serbia and Montenegro. [1][6]

The nation currently relies heavily on a service-based economy, with tourism contributing approximately 30 percent of its gross domestic product. Amending the constitution and settling regional disputes remain the key requirements for the nation as it seeks to complete its path toward EU membership. [1][6]