German chancellor says Montenegro nearing final stage of EU accession talks

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said that Montenegro is entering a transitional phase towards the final stage of its accession talks with the European Union.

Speaking at a press conference after the EU leaders’ summit in Brussels, Merz said the accession process for Western Balkan countries had been ongoing for nearly two decades, adding that Montenegro was now “practically ready” to join the bloc, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

“The clusters have largely been completed. The country could now, so to speak, move to the final stage,” he said.

Merz contrasted the Western Balkans’ accession path with that of Ukraine, noting that each case followed a different trajectory and pace.

He said EU leaders were still debating whether the remaining Western Balkan candidates should join the bloc collectively or individually, with the issue due to be discussed at the next meeting of the European Council.

“There are strong arguments for saying all at once. But there are also strong arguments for saying one by one,” Merz said. “We will discuss this at the next meeting of the European Council.”

By Aghakazim Guliyev