"Congratulations, Montenegro... For the first time since 2013, the EU starts the clock for the next enlargement," writes Council President António Costa on Blue Sky and X after the decision by the 27 member states' ambassadors in Brussels.
Montenegro has been negotiating membership since 2012, but has only gained momentum in recent years. Currently, 14 of 35 negotiation chapters have been completed, with hopes of completing the rest by this year or by 2027. Becoming a member also requires final approval from all current EU member states.
The last time the EU gained a new member was when Croatia joined on July 1, 2013.
