What is being negotiated?

The legal regulations whose implementation ensures the free movement of people, goods, capital, and information within the EU are brought together in this highly complex and demanding negotiating chapter. Transport policy is regulated by Title VI, Articles 90–100 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, i.e. the Lisbon Treaty. Its objective is, by establishing framework conditions for various modes of transport, to enable the rational transport of goods and passengers within the EU as well as internationally, thereby further removing restrictions between states. This also contributes to more balanced economic development within the EU, as well as to its expansion, price stability, improved comfort for passengers, and a higher standard of living for citizens.

The objective of European policy in this chapter is to respond to the growing mobility needs of citizens, goods, and services within the EU. EU regulations in this area primarily create conditions for safer, more secure, and more efficient transport, improved quality of transport services, and the upgrading of existing and construction of new transport infrastructure. The acquis in this chapter defines standards for reducing the negative environmental impact of transport, as well as for more effective protection of passenger rights and the enforcement of social legislation.

Sub-areas

The EU acquis in this chapter covers:

• Road transport

• Rail transport

• Air transport

• Maritime transport

• Inland waterway transport

EU road transport policy aims to promote the efficient provision of freight and passenger transport services and to create fair conditions for competitiveness, as well as to promote and harmonise higher safety and environmental standards, ensure a level of fiscal and social harmonisation, and guarantee that road transport rules are applied effectively and without discrimination.

Rail transport covers the railway network across the EU and aims to develop a strong and competitive railway industry, establish a railway market, improve interoperability and the safety of national networks, and develop railway infrastructure.

The EU’s common aviation policy contributes to making European airspace the safest in the world.

Maritime transport enables trade and communication, ensures the supply of energy and food, and is a leading source of employment and income for the European economy. The Union’s objectives in this area are to protect Europe through very strict safety rules by preventing substandard shipping, reducing the risk of maritime accidents, and limiting the environmental impact of maritime transport. An important activity also relates to the social dimension, including working conditions, health and safety issues, and the professional qualifications of seafarers.

Inland waterway transport plays an important role in the transport of goods across the EU. This mode of transport is increasingly used due to its energy efficiency. The European Commission promotes strengthening the competitive position of inland waterways within the transport system and seeks their integration into intermodal logistics chains.

When was the chapter opened?

The chapter 14 was opened on 21th December 2015 at the Intergovernmental Conference in Brisel.

Closing benchmarks

Within Negotiating Chapter 14, Montenegro is required to fulfil the following closing benchmarks:

1. Montenegro must achieve alignment with the EU acquis relating to road toll charging, social legislation in road transport, new rules on the weights and dimensions of vehicles for heavy goods and passenger transport, as well as common rules for access to the profession of road transport operator, access to the international road haulage market, and access to the international market for coach and bus services, including tourist transport.

2. Montenegro must ensure a competent, independent, and effective regulatory body and railway safety authority and ensure alignment with EU standards on railway safety and interoperability.

3. Montenegro must align with the acquis on passenger rights in all modes of transport.

4. Montenegro must fully align with the acquis on air traffic management.

What are the activities in the coming period?

Within Negotiating Chapter 14 – Transport Policy, Montenegro has achieved a high level of alignment with the EU acquis and has established a comprehensive, functional, and sustainable legislative and institutional framework in this area.

In the field of road transport and road safety, progress has been achieved both in legislative alignment and in the implementation of regulations. Key laws and by-laws have been adopted to ensure alignment with EU social legislation, particularly regarding working time, driving and rest periods, the use of tachographs, as well as rules on access to the profession and the road transport market. In this way, Montenegro has created a fair and competitive market, while simultaneously strengthening road safety and protecting drivers’ labour rights (Law on Working Time and Breaks During Working Hours and Recording Devices in Road Transport, Law on Road Traffic Safety, Law on Road Transport, Road Traffic Safety Improvement Strategy 2024–2030, programmes for regular maintenance of state roads, etc.).

In the field of rail transport, Montenegro has aligned its legislation by adopting a new Railway Law and the Law on Safety and Interoperability in Railway Transport. These legal solutions have created a legal basis for a clearly defined institutional structure that ensures the independence of regulatory and safety bodies, transparent market access, and high standards of safety and interoperability.

In the field of air transport, Montenegro records a high level of alignment with EASA regulations and the rules of the Single European Sky. The national civil aviation system continuously applies the highest safety and security standards, as confirmed by Montenegro’s long-standing status within the “One Stop Security” system. This status represents a strong indicator of the European Union’s confidence in Montenegro’s capacities in the field of aviation security.

In the field of maritime transport, Montenegro has adopted key laws regulating navigation safety, protection of the marine environment, port state control, passenger rights, and carrier liability, in line with relevant EU directives and international conventions. Established systems for monitoring, managing maritime traffic, and controlling foreign vessels further confirm that Montenegro has the administrative and technical capacity for the effective and consistent application of European standards in practice.

In the coming period, Montenegro needs to finalise the adoption of the Law on Air Transport, the Law on Roads, and the Law on Inland Navigation. Further alignment will continue in parallel with the development of new EU acquis.

What are the benefits of this chapter for Montenegro?

Membership in the European Union will ensure increased transport safety and better protection of passengers in all modes of transport. In road transport, this includes improved road safety, safer transport of dangerous goods, and the introduction of smart tachographs. In rail transport, one of the benefits is fair access to the market, as well as simplified procedures for issuing licences. In air transport, regulations governing aviation services and airspace management are also improved.

In addition, this policy addresses passenger rights across all modes of transport in Montenegro. Thanks to new and harmonised legislation, passengers are guaranteed a high level of protection, with clear rules on carrier liability, the right to information, compensation, and special protection for persons with disabilities and reduced mobility. In this way, Montenegro has fully embraced the European concept of user-oriented transport.