Memo: Key findings of the 2013 Progress Report on Montenegro

The Progress Report on Montenegro is part of the 2013 Enlargement Package adopted on 16 October 2013 by the European Commission. This is the second Progress Report on Montenegro since the country opened accession negotiations with the EU in June 2012.

The European Commission concluded that the country has made further progress in establishing a functioning market economy, has improved its ability to take on the obligations of EU membership, and continues to sufficiently meet the political criteria. The screening meetings have been completed. Two negotiating chapters have been opened and provisionally closed. The accession negotiations have integrated the new approach for the chapters 23 (judiciary and fundamental rights), and 24 (justice, freedom and security). Montenegro adopted Action Plans for both. On this basis, Montenegro was invited to send its negotiating position on these chapters, which it submitted in early October. The implementation of the action plans will determine the overall pace of the negotiations. Montenegro will need to further develop its track record in this area, in particular with respect to high-level corruption and organised crime.