France opposes closing EU accession chapters 11 and 13,
citing insufficient alignment with the EU acquis, though chances of policy
reversal remain slim.
According to "Vijesti," French representatives in
the working bodies of that community today blocked the "crossing out"
of two chapters, 11 (Agriculture and Rural Development) and 13 (Fisheries), so
Montenegro will probably close three of the anticipated five chapters in
negotiations with the European Union (EU) by the end of the year.
During a meeting of the EU Council Working Group (COELA)
earlier today, the French made this declaration. Meanwhile, the decision was
approved at the conclusion of the Committee of Permanent Representatives of the
Member States (COREPER II) meeting.
Unofficial reports from "Vijesti" state that
French delegates asserted, among other things, that Chapters 11 and 13 were not
adequately linked with the EU acquis and were not prepared for closure.
Three chapters 3 (Right of establishment and freedom to
provide services), 4 (Free movement of capital), and 6 (Commercial law) should
unquestionably be closed at the intergovernmental conference that will take
place following the COREPER II session, specifically at the ministerial level
(ministers of foreign affairs or European affairs within the EU General Affairs
Council).
The possibility of changing France's decision at the
ministerial level is slim.
On June 29, 2012, negotiations for Montenegro's EU
membership started. Since then, Podgorica has temporarily closed
seven chapters three at the end of the previous year and one in June of this
year while opening all thirty-three.
How might political disagreements affect Montenegro's EU membership timeline?
Political dissensions , both domestic and within the EU,
could significantly delay Montenegro's EU class timeline beyond its 2028 target
by stalling chapter closures and driving interdictions from member
countries.
Montenegro's coalition includes pro-Serbian,pro-Russian
parties like New Serb Democracy, fostering inconsistent reforms in rule of law
andanti-corruption; events like the Jasenovac resolution have strained ties
with Croatia, blocking Chapter 31 on foreign policy.
France's proscription on husbandry and fisheries chapters exemplifies how single member countries can halt progress absent agreement; declining public support( down to 39) andanti-EU narratives risk weakening negotiating influence, potentially pushing full class to 2030 if reforms pause.