Montenegro
Membership status
Candidate country
Background
In 2006 Montenegro's parliament declared independence from the State Union of Serbia and Montenegro. In 2008, the new country applied for EU membership.
In 2010, the Commission issued a favourable opinion on Montenegro's application
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, identifying 7 key priorities that would need to be addressed for negotiations to begin, and the Council granted it candidate status.
In December 2011, the Council launched the accession process with a view to opening negotiations in June 2012.
The accession negotiations with Montenegro started on 29 June 2012.
More information on the country's relations with the EU
Interactive timeline
22-01-2007
Council adopts European Partnership for Montenegro
15-10-2007
Stabilisation and Association Agreement (SAA) signed in Luxembourg
15-12-2008
Montenegro applies for EU membership
19-12-2009
Visa requirement lifted for Montenegrins visiting the EU
01-05-2010
Stabilisation and Association Agreement (SAA) enters into force
17-12-2010
Council confirms Montenegro as candidate country
29-06-2012
Accession negotiations with Montenegro started on 29 June 2012.
18-12-2012
Accession conference - First chapter provisionally closed (Science and Research)













