Croatia’s accession in July 2013 marked the first Western Balkan state entering the European Union, while EU membership is experienced as source of stability for the region as a whole. Montenegro picked up official accession negotiations in June 2012. 

Since its independence from Serbia in 2006, Montenegro continuously started introducing internal reforms preparing its path towards EU membership, as the EU has made clear from the beginning that focus will be given to the areas of rule of law and fundamental rights. In its two progress reports since the start of negotiations the European Commission states several improvements but also outlines remaining challenges, in particular in the field of the independence of the judiciary, the fight against corruption and organised crime as well as the guarantee of human rights such as freedom of speech. In that sense a long way still lies ahead of Montenegrin government to prove further commitment to the European project. For the perspective of EU membership is not merely an end in itself enforcing Brussels regulations, but it has the clear objective to ensure democratisation, stability and structural transformation to the benefit of the citizens in the entire region. 

This conference will discuss the future of EU policy towards the Western Balkans and focus on Montenegro’s progress and challenges in its process of adapting to the acquis communautaire. The Secretary of State for European Integration and Chief Negotiator Amb. Aleksandar Andrija Pejovic will present Montenegro’s path and enter into a discussion with EU representatives on Montenegro and Europe’s perspective between consolidation and enlargement.

Conference language: English

Please find the programme here.

Registration until 19 February 2014: registration@hss.de