Human Rights Issues at the Negotiations on EU Accession with Candidate States: Montenegro

Abstract

This paper analyses human rights issues and the independence of the judiciary in the context of Montenegro’s EU accession negotiations, with a focus on Chapters 23 and 24 of the Acquis Communautaire. These chapters address the rule of law and the fundamental rights central to the EU enlargement process. The analysis is based on the European Commission’s country reports and enlargement policy communications, offering a detailed assessment of the judiciary’s functioning, the prosecution service, and the fight against corruption in Montenegro. It highlights key issues, such as judicial impartiality, anti-corruption initiatives, case-load handling, and clearance rates. Furthermore, it assesses the country’s actions to combat organised crime and terrorism, its judicial and police cooperation, and its progress in implementing Schengen standards and managing migration. The findings underscore the importance of legal reforms and institutional integrity in Montenegro’s path towards EU membership.