(ANSA) - BELGRADE, JUL 14 - The European Union has provisionally closed accession negotiations with Montenegro on Chapters 8 (competition policy) and 29 (customs union), bringing the total to 18 out of 33, or "more than half." The decision was formally announced today at the 28th EU-Montenegro Accession Conference. Podgorica is now "in the final phase of preparation for accession," and the Union is "preparing to welcome" the country, according to European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos, citing the recently adopted financial package outlining the European budget's adaptation to a Union of 28 Member States. (ANSA).