In a recent report, members of the European Parliament have expressed their regret over Montenegro’s slowdown in its path towards European Union integration due to an internal political crisis.
They have also voiced concerns about unwelcome external interference, particularly from Russia, China, and Serbia.
The report on Montenegro received approval from the European Parliament’s Foreign Policy Committee, with 51 votes in favor, three against, and eight abstentions.
The report acknowledged Montenegro’s ongoing commitment to EU integration and the strong public support for this objective. However, it highlighted that the failure to establish consensus on matters of national importance and the absence of inter-party dialogue had hindered progress in European reforms, leading Montenegro into a deep institutional and political crisis.
The Euro-deputies commended Montenegro’s full alignment with EU foreign policy, including the imposition of sanctions against Russia in response to Russia’s unwarranted occupation of Ukraine.
The report was prepared by Croatian MEP Tonino Picula, who stated that this report, marking the end of this European Parliament mandate, underscores Montenegro’s prolonged journey toward EU accession and the severe political crisis within the country.
Picula emphasized that the deputies expect the swift formation of a pro-European government that unequivocally supports European policies and values, aligning with the significant expectations of Montenegro’s citizens.
Montenegro has been a leader among Western Balkan countries in the EU accession process. It obtained candidate status in 2010 and initiated accession negotiations with Brussels in 2012. While Montenegro has opened all chapters of the accession process, it has provisionally closed only three chapters to date.
Despite being recognized as the most advanced country in accession talks since 2012, Montenegro has not convened any intergovernmental conferences, a crucial component of the accession negotiations. This is due to insufficient progress in implementing necessary reforms, which are essential for advancing in the accession talks.
Montenegro held early parliamentary elections on June 11, with the Movement Europe Now securing the most votes, approximately 26%.
The formation of a new government is expected soon, led by Milojko Spajić. This will be the third government since the departure of the Democratic Party of Socialists, led by Milo Đukanović, from power in August 2020.
The first government under Zdravko Krivokapić, formed with the influence of the Serbian Orthodox Church, lasted for 14 months, during which Jakov Milatović and Milojko Spajić served as ministers.
The second government, led by Dritan Abazović, faced a vote of no confidence after just three months and has since operated as a caretaker government.
