Accession talks between Montenegro and NATO successfully completed in Brussels

Brussels, Belgium (16 February 2016) -- Two-day accession talks between Montenegro and NATO were successfully completed in Brussels earlier today, marking the beginning of a process that follows the extending of a membership invitation to Montenegro on 2 December 2015.

The talks were chaired by NATO’s Assistant Secretary General for Political Affairs and Security Policy, Ambassador Terry Stamatopoulos. The Montenegrin delegation was headed by Ambassador Dragana Radulović, Head of Mission of Montenegro to NATO.

Ambassador Stamatopoulos stressed that the holding of the accession talks testifies to the progress made by Montenegro since regaining its independence, adding that NATO membership will strengthen its security and sovereignty.

During the accession talks, Montenegro accepted the obligations deriving from NATO membership, thus creating conditions for the continuation of the process of joining the Alliance. Today’s meeting also discussed the reforms to be implemented by Montenegro in the time ahead, with special emphasis on the rule of law and public support.

The signing of an Accession Protocol will be the next step in Montenegro’s accession to NATO, followed by the process of  its ratification by the member-states. In parallel, Montenegro will be able to attend NATO meetings as an invitee.

Once all the member-states ratify the accession protocol, Montenegro will accede to the Washington Treaty and become the 29th member of the Alliance.

MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND EUROPEAN INTEGRATION