The relations between Montenegro and EU within the Stabilization and Association Procss (SAP) were established in July 2001. At the Thessaloniki Summit in 2003 the European perspective of the Western Balkans states was confirmed, and in July of the same year the Enhanced Permanent Dialogue was established as a form of regular consultations of Montenegro and EU.

Following the referendum on independence of Montenegro and the declaration of independence by the Montenegrin Parliament, the Council of EU declared that it would further develop relations with Montenegro as an independent and sovereign state. Bilateral recognitions of independent Montenegro by EU member states followed.

On December 15 2009 Montenegro submitted application for EU membership. On 23 April 2009 the Council of the EU decided to invite the European Commission to prepare its opinion on Montenegro's application for membership, which means that Montenegro will soon receive the Questionnaire of the European Commission containing over 4 000 questions from all chapters of the Acquis communautaire of the EU. On the basis of the Questionnaire the EC will prepare its opinion and submit recommendation to the Council to grant the candidate status to Montenegro.