Montenegro is not joining the EU just yet; Montenegro, it's not enough...

The reforms recently announced under the euro model could pose significant risks to the sustainability of public finances and the external balance, while the number of final convictions in high-level corruption cases remains low, the European Commission said in its 2026 Report on Montenegro.

At the same time, the Commission noted that the country had made good progress in a number of areas and had entered the final stage of its EU accession negotiations.

In the economic section of the report, which we have seen, the European Commission states that Montenegro has made good progress and achieved a good level of preparedness for developing a functioning market economy, but warns of fiscal risks.

The recently announced euro-model reforms could pose significant risks to the sustainability of public finances and the external balance, which still need to be assessed further, particularly following consultations with stakeholders. The budget deficit exceeded the 2025 target, while fiscal vulnerabilities remain due to ineffective fiscal rules, high levels of mandatory spending and substantial debt refinancing needs, the report states.

At the same time, the Commission notes that the labour market has continued to improve, the banking sector is well-capitalised and liquid, and progress has been made in improving the business environment and reforming state-owned enterprises. However, it points to high unemployment among young people and the long-term unemployed, weak exports and a large current account deficit.

The report devotes particular attention to the fight against corruption. The European Commission assesses Montenegro as having a good level of preparedness and notes that good progress has been made, but warns that the record of final convictions remains insufficient, according to the website of Radio and Television of Montenegro.

The institutional framework for preventing and combating corruption has been established. Human resources and capacities have been increased, but additional resources are needed by the Special State Prosecutor's Office.

The track record in the fight against corruption has improved in terms of final decisions and convictions in high-level corruption cases, while the complexity of investigations and indictments demonstrates the commitment of prosecutors and law enforcement authorities to tackling the most serious cases. However, the number of final convictions remains low and must increase, the European Commission states.

The Commission also calls for more effective investigations, prosecutions and convictions in high-level corruption cases, as well as a reduction in delays in criminal proceedings.

Montenegro must urgently strengthen the effective enforcement of existing criminal legislation by the State Prosecutor's Office and the courts, ensure effective and deterrent penalties, address delays in criminal proceedings and urgently improve human resources and working conditions at the Special State Prosecutor's Office, the Special Police Department and the Special Department of the Higher Court in Podgorica, the Commission says.

Regarding organised crime, Montenegro has also received a rating of good preparedness and good progress. However, the European Commission calls for more effective prosecution of cases, particularly money laundering, shorter court proceedings and more frequent confiscation of criminal assets.

It is necessary to improve the effectiveness of prosecutions and judicial decisions in serious and organised crime cases, particularly money laundering, address lengthy trials and frequent postponements, and ensure the seizure and confiscation of criminal assets through systematic monitoring of financial flows, the report states.

The Commission also warns of a serious staff shortage in the police force, while noting good progress in the area of media freedom.