EU expansion shifts plus regional pollution stir Montenegro amid Balkan headlines; small nation with 633k people in 13,883 km².
EU enlargement talks are shifting as the bloc eyeing safeguards on new members to avoid gridlock. Montenegro and other candidates are discussed for temporary veto rights limits, while Ukraine seeks full membership. A July summit is planned to advance talks and outline new accession terms.
The European Union is advancing its Western Balkans enlargement effort with Montenegro at the forefront. EU leaders are discussing negotiations and reforms as Montenegro moves through 33 chapters of accession, aiming for 2028 membership, though final approval remains uncertain amid rule-of-law and anti-corruption benchmarks.