No, Montenegro is not part of the EU – but it has adopted many elements and regulations of the EU.
Montenegro has a long and complex history, having been part of different empires and political unions over the centuries. Today, Montenegro is an independent nation that is seeking to strengthen its economic and political ties with the European Union (EU).
The EU Accession Process
Montenegro officially applied to join the European Union in 2008, and since then, it has been working on fulfilling the conditions required for membership. The EU accession process involves a series of negotiations, reforms, and assessments to ensure that the candidate country complies with the EU’s standards and values. This process can be lengthy and demanding, and it can take several years or even decades to complete.
Montenegro has made progress in the accession process, and it has already opened several chapters of the EU acquis, which are the rules and regulations that EU member states must adopt and implement. However, Montenegro still has a long way to go before it can become a full member of the EU. It must continue to work on strengthening its institutions, fighting corruption and organized crime, and improving its economic and social conditions.
Does Montenegro Use the Euro?
Since 1999, Montenegro has used the Euro as a de facto currency, and it has no plans to introduce a new currency of its own in the foreseeable future. This arrangement has helped to stabilize the Montenegrin economy, which relies heavily on tourism and foreign investment.
Thus, although the euro is not a legal tender in Montenegro, it is commonly used and accepted by both the government and the people. This means that visitors can easily use euros to pay for purchases and services.
Can you travel to Montenegro on a Schengen visa?
No, you cannot travel to Montenegro on a Schengen visa.
Montenegro is not part of the European Union, nor is it a member of the Schengen Area. However, citizens of the European Union, as well as several other countries, can enter Montenegro without a visa for a limited period. Visitors from other countries may need to obtain a visa before traveling to Montenegro.
The Current Status
As of 2024, Montenegro is not a member of the European Union. It is considered a candidate country, which means that it is in the process of negotiating its accession to the EU. This process is ongoing, and it is expected to take several more years to complete – possibly by 2025.
However, Montenegro is a member of several other European and international organizations. It is a member of NATO (since 2017), the Council of Europe (since 2007), and the World Trade Organization (since 2012). It also has free trade agreements with the EU and several other countries, which facilitate its trade and economic relations.
Also Read: Is Montenegro Safe?
Conclusion
In conclusion, Montenegro is not currently a member of the European Union, but it is working on joining the EU through a lengthy and demanding accession process. While the process is ongoing, Montenegro remains a candidate country that is committed to meeting the EU’s standards and values. For visitors to Montenegro, this means that the country has its own legal system, currency, and regulations, but it is also working to align itself with EU norms in many areas.
