17/07/2026 (Agence Europe) – On Thursday 16 July, Montenegro’s Parliament filled its two remaining vacant judge posts at the Constitutional Court, which has a total of seven members. These appointments follow an agreement between the majority and the opposition to undertake the constitutional reforms needed for the country to progress towards accession to the European Union (see EUROPE 13904/11, 13903/11). “A fully functional Constitutional Court is one of the key prerequisites for meeting the closing benchmarks under Chapter 23 and must remain a bastion of justice, fairness and independence”, said Deputy Prime Minister Aleksa Bečić. European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos welcomed the appointments on X, calling for “unity” in Montenegro so the country can “reach the finish line” and conclude accession negotiations by the end of the year and join the European Union in 2028 (see EUROPE 13909/14). (APH)