Montenegro Appoints Two Judges to Constitutional Court, Advancing EU Accession Efforts
On July 16, 2026, the Parliament of Montenegro appointed the two remaining judges to the Constitutional Court, achieving a fully functional seven-member bench. This development marks a significant advancement in Montenegro's judicial reforms and its European Union accession process.
Significance of the Appointments
The completion of the Constitutional Court's composition is crucial for several reasons:
- Judicial Functionality: A fully staffed Constitutional Court ensures the effective adjudication of constitutional matters, safeguarding the rule of law and protecting citizens' rights.
- EU Accession Criteria: The European Union considers a fully operational and independent judiciary a fundamental requirement for membership. This appointment fulfills one of the key prerequisites under Chapter 23 of the accession negotiations, which focuses on the judiciary and fundamental rights.
Statements from Montenegrin Officials
Deputy Prime Minister Aleksa Bečić emphasized the importance of this achievement, stating, "Today's election of the two remaining judges of the Constitutional Court, achieved through broad consensus in the Parliament of Montenegro, confirms that Montenegro is ready to make the most difficult decisions in the interest of the rule of law and its European future."
He further highlighted that a fully functional Constitutional Court is essential for meeting the closing benchmarks under Chapter 23 and must remain a bastion of justice, fairness, and independence.
Implications for Montenegro's EU Accession
With the Constitutional Court now fully operational, Montenegro demonstrates its commitment to judicial reforms and adherence to European standards. This progress is expected to positively influence the EU's assessment of Montenegro's readiness for membership.
The government aims to close all negotiating chapters by the end of the year and secure Montenegro's membership in the European Union by 2028. The successful appointment of the Constitutional Court judges is a pivotal step toward achieving this goal.
For more information on this development, refer to the official announcement from the Government of Montenegro.