Croatia blocks critical chapter in accession talks, raising tensions in the region

Montenegro is progressing in its EU accession negotiations, planning to close three chapters on Intellectual Property Rights, Information Society and Media, and Business and Industrial Policy next week. This decision comes after the ambassadors of EU member states approved the closure during a meeting. However, Montenegro was also prepared to close a fourth chapter regarding Foreign, Security, and Defense Policy; this chapter is stalled due to opposition from Croatia, which has raised several issues related to the bilateral relations between the two nations. Croatia's concerns include ownership disputes over the training ship 'Jadran' and unresolved matters from the past, such as war crimes prosecutions and locating missing persons. The Croatian government delivered a non-paper to Montenegro outlining these concerns, which has affected the progress in negotiations. The frustration surrounding the stalled chapter underscores the complexities of EU integration for the Western Balkan nations and highlights the political sensitivities involved in the process. Meanwhile, Albania is also making strides in its EU accession journey, with plans to open cluster 6, which includes chapters on External Relations and Foreign, Security, and Defense Policy. This cluster will officially open on December 17, 2024, reflecting some optimism in the region despite the challenges faced by Montenegro. In contrast, Serbia continues to face stagnation in its negotiations as several EU member states remain opposed to opening cluster 3, leaving the country in a state of uncertainty regarding its path toward EU membership. The changing landscape of EU negotiations in the Balkans illustrates varying levels of readiness and diplomatic relationships between candidate countries. As Montenegro moves forward with its agenda, the implications for regional stability and cooperation will remain critical as each country navigates its aspirations for EU membership while managing the political realities of the region.