MNE
Stories (5)
Montenegro's EU Accession: Risks Ahead
Montenegro’s push for EU accession is shaped by internal politics, regional dynamics, and EU strategic interests. Key points: - EU motive and timing: Brussels wants a credible success story post-COVID and amid Russian sanctions/Ukraine war; Montenegro’s path is used to project EU stability in the Western Balkans. - Domestic politics: The ruling Europe Now party faces pressure over leadership and potential Djukanovic-era remnants; the 2027 general election could hinge on EU-a
2026-05-24Montenegro's EU Membership Under New Safegu
Montenegro is positioned to be the first country to join the EU under new “democratic safeguards” intended to prevent backsliding on values like rule of law and media freedom. Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos described Montenegro as the frontrunner and emphasized that all future members will face an insurance-like mechanism to ensure ongoing compliance, with full rights retained for those meeting all conditions. Key focus areas for Montenegro are accelerating reforms, stren
2026-05-24Montenegro Security Laws Threaten Police Autn
Montenegro’s parliament approved amendments to the Law on Internal Affairs and a new National Security Agency law, centralizing ministerial control over police recruitment and disciplinary procedures, while granting broad, potentially unchecked powers to security bodies. Civil society groups and European officials warn these changes threaten rule of law, judicial safeguards, and independence of police and intelligence services, potentially impacting EU accession. Opposition p
2026-05-24Montenegro's Jasenovac Remembrance Sparks T r
Summary: - Montenegro’s plan to mark a remembrance day for victims of the Jasenovac concentration camp in Croatia has drawn sharp criticism from Croatia, inflaming bilateral tensions. - The initiative is led by Parliament Speaker Andrija Mandić of New Serb Democracy and occurs amid broader tensions dating back to Montenegro’s 2024 Jasenovac resolution, which Croatia said deepened divisions and delayed Montenegro’s EU accession progress (Chapter 31). - Croatia’s Foreign Minis
2026-05-24Montenegro in 2026
Summary: - Montenegro aims to complete EU accession negotiations by end-2026 and join the EU by around 2028, following a recent surge in closed chapters. - Nine of the 12 negotiating chapters have been closed since 2021 under PM Milojko Spajić; 33 chapters remain, with emphasis on delivering concrete progress on corruption, rule of law, and long-term political/economic stability. - Experts warn that progress hinges not just on ticking procedural boxes but on sustained reforms
2026-05-24