The Balkan country of Montenegro, popular among tourists from Turkey and accessible for visa-free travel, is in the final stages of negotiations to join the European Union.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, following a meeting with Montenegro’s Prime Minister Milojko Spajić, noted that the country is showing steady progress and could join the EU as early as 2028. According to the European Commission, Montenegro has already closed four negotiation chapters and plans to complete another five by the end of the year.

Montenegro fully aligns its foreign and defense policies with the EU and participates in European missions. Under the EU Western Balkans Growth Plan, the country will receive €8 million. Additionally, Montenegro has joined the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA), making financial transfers between the country and the EU faster and free of fees.

Starting next year, roaming charges between Montenegro and EU countries will be eliminated, a step aimed at strengthening economic, tourism, and cultural ties.

The Montenegrin government intends to complete all necessary reforms and join the EU by 2028, continuing its course toward green and digital transformation.