The European Union will sign an association accord with Montenegro today — a first step toward eventual EU membership for the tiny Balkan state that broke away from Serbia in 2006.

By signing a Stabilization and Association Agreement, the world's newest state commits itself to stay the course of reforms, including adopting a new constitution, reforming its judicial system and tackling corruption, before it can join the 27-nation bloc. EU officials say membership is at least three years down the road.