Speculation: Montenegro could join the EU without veto rights

PODGORICA – European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen confirmed on Thursday evening in Podgorica that Brussels is preparing a “roadmap” for the most advanced candidates for membership in the European Union, as well as safeguard mechanisms for new members — details which, according to speculation, could also mean giving up the right of veto, as the Montenegrin portal Vijesti reports.

It is speculated that the Commission could offer Montenegro membership without the right of veto for a ten-year period. Von der Leyen gave no details, but said safeguard mechanisms will exist and that their approval will require the agreement of all EU members. According to Reuters reporting on Wednesday, the Commission is considering a “temporary political commitment” under which the new member would declare that, for a limited period, it would not oppose decisions taken by consensus. Likewise, a safeguard clause would allow existing members to suspend the new member’s rights, including voting rights, with a qualified majority of 15 of the 27 states representing 65 percent of the Union’s population. New accession treaties could also include time-limited safeguard measures in areas such as the free movement of workers and agriculture.

The portal Politico reported on Monday that for Montenegro, Ukraine, Moldova and Albania, “roadmaps” are being considered that clearly define what is expected of each candidate, but also create obligations for existing EU members. Von der Leyen said she believes Montenegro can become the Union’s 28th member by 2028 — with 18 of 33 chapters already closed — and that membership is “within reach,” sending a strong message to the Western Balkans as well.

The Commission President also commented on the political crisis in Podgorica, where Montenegro’s Democrats (DPS) have launched an initiative to dismiss the head of Parliament, Andrija Mandić. She emphasized that broad support from all parties is needed and that the focus must remain on the path toward the EU. For his part, Prime Minister Milojko Spajić declared: “We have almost reached the end of the road, why do something that delays it? I am optimistic that there is no reason not to take it to the end and enter the EU.” Also discussed were the disagreements with Croatia — over the ship “Jadran,” compensation for the Morinj camp prisoners, missing persons and the pool in Kotor — following Croatia’s blocking of chapter 31 in January 2025 and chapter 14 in July. Croatian Foreign Minister Gordan Grlić Radman said “Jadran” is not the only property Zagreb is claiming, adding that Croatia has documentation for ownership worth over 2.7 billion dollars.