Ukraine must accelerate the pace of reforms according to the EC, Montenegro is ready for membership

Ukraine needs to accelerate reforms to meet its goal of concluding EU accession talks by the end of 2028, according to the European Commission's report. In contrast, Montenegro is on track to close its negotiation chapters by the end of the year. Ukraine may separate its accession process from Moldova, which is progressing faster. The Commission noted Montenegro's readiness for EU membership, having provisionally closed 21 out of 33 negotiation chapters. The EU expects to finalize Montenegro's accession talks by December and sign the accession agreement by June 2027, emphasizing the importance of ongoing reforms and political consensus.