Cyprus Times

Cyprus Presidency Prioritizes EU Enlargement: Montenegro Makes Progress

Published March 17, 2026, 20:05
Cyprus Presidency Prioritizes EU Enlargement: Montenegro Makes Progress

The Minister of European Affairs, Marilena Raouna, stated that EU enlargement is at the heart of the vision of the Cypriot Presidency. This followed the EU-Montenegro Intergovernmental Conference (IGC) in Brussels, where Chapter 21 on trans-European networks was closed, marking significant progress in Montenegro's accession. The Cypriot Presidency played a key role in this development, as it is the second IGC to be held under its presidency this year. Raouna emphasized the strategic necessity of enlargement in the current geopolitical environment and highlighted the importance of strong infrastructure for economic development and regional cooperation. Montenegro's progress is considered to strengthen the European Union itself, with the accession process based on strict but fair conditionality. The Cypriot Presidency has prioritized the establishment of an ad hoc working group to draft the Treaty of Accession and is working closely with member states and institutions to advance the process as quickly as possible. Commissioner for Enlargement, Marta Kos, described the day as particularly important for enlargement, noting that Montenegro is the most advanced country in the accession process. With the closure of Chapter 21, 14 chapters have been provisionally closed, representing over one-third of the process. Ms. Kos stressed the importance of continuing reforms, especially in the area of the rule of law and data protection, in order to maintain the pace of progress and ensure Montenegro's full integration into the EU.