In bold display of EU ambition, Montenegro brands its national carrier “28 by 28”

In a striking display of national ambition, Montenegro has branded its national aircraft carrier with the slogan “28 by 28,” symbolizing its goal to become the European Union’s 28th member state by 2028.

This creative promotion, emblazoned on the vessel’s hull, underscores Podgorica’s determination to accelerate its integration into the bloc, leveraging its maritime heritage to rally public support for EU accession. As the smallest candidate country with a population of just over 600,000, Montenegro is positioning itself as a model for efficient enlargement, but the path forward is fraught with challenges that could test this optimism.

Montenegro stands out as the frontrunner among EU candidate nations, a status affirmed by European leaders and recent progress reports.

With all 33 negotiation chapters opened since negotiations began in 2012, the country has provisionally closed 13 chapters as of early 2026, including key areas like financial control and company law.

This pace outstrips peers like Albania, Serbia, and North Macedonia, with EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos praising Montenegro’s reforms and suggesting it could complete talks by the end of 2026 or 2027.

Prime Minister Milojko Spajić has echoed this, declaring 2026 as the “most decisive year” for accession, backed by the government’s 2026–2027 Accession Program that outlines a roadmap for closing remaining chapters.

High-level endorsements, such as from German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul and European Council President António Costa, highlight Montenegro’s political stability and alignment with EU values, making it the “most advanced” candidate.

Public support remains strong, with over 70% of citizens favoring membership, fueled by economic benefits like access to EU funds and markets.

Yet, achieving “28 by 28” is no foregone conclusion. Montenegro faces significant hurdles in the fundamentals cluster, including judicial reforms, anti-corruption measures, and rule of law enhancements—areas where tangible results are demanded by Brussels.

Critics point to lingering issues like organized crime and media freedom, which could delay closures in chapters 23 and 24.

Political fragmentation in the Western Balkans, including tensions with neighbors like Serbia, adds complexity Montenegro faces a hidden security crisis, with hybrid pressures and internal capture threatening democracy and the country’s euro-Atlantic path, a recent policy paper warns.

Report exposes Montenegro’s hidden security crisis

Despite these obstacles, Montenegro’s proactive stance, exemplified by the “28 by 28” campaign, signals a commitment to transformation.

To remain credible and sustain its transformative power in the neighborhood, the EU must keep the enlargement process genuinely alive by delivering tangible progress and gradually admitting new members that meet the rigorous membership criteria.

Analyst warns: Serbia may try to derail Montenegro’s EU advancement

Caption: Montenegro has branded its national aircraft carrier with the slogan “28 by 28,” symbolizing its goal to become the European Union’s 28th member state by 2028 [@TihomirDragas on X]