AGP Executive Report

EU Accession Push: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen told Podgorica Montenegro is on track to become the EU’s 28th member by 2028, urging political stability and broad support to close remaining chapters and prepare the accession treaty. Border Security Upgrade: She also backed plans for Montenegro’s border police to take on EU-style external border responsibilities, with a new coordination center to link Montenegro with EU agencies. EU Enlargement Timetable: Brussels is set to open additional negotiating clusters for Ukraine (and possibly Moldova) on Oct. 13, while Montenegro may close more chapters—another sign the enlargement process is speeding up. Portugal Strike Disruptions: A 24-hour public-sector strike in Portugal hit schools, hospitals and services, with unions demanding pay rises ahead of budget talks. Ronaldo Portugal Future in Doubt: Cristiano Ronaldo walked out of Portugal’s camp after being left out again by coach Jorge Jesus, leaving his international future uncertain. Regional Tensions: Croatia is pressing Montenegro for over €2.4bn in Yugoslavia-era military property claims, tying the dispute to Montenegro’s EU path. Cybercrime Case: Montenegro extradited an Iranian-linked suspect to the US over alleged hacking attacks worth $3.4bn.

EU Accession Push: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen told Podgorica Montenegro could join the EU as the bloc’s 28th member by 2028, saying Brussels will back the “final stretch” if political stability holds and Montenegro can close remaining chapters by year-end. EU Enlargement Process: The Commission is also weighing practical fixes for Montenegro’s language requirements for EU law, with interim options under discussion amid identity-sensitive language politics. Berlin Process Civil Society: The Civil Society & Think tank Forum of the Berlin Process will run in Pristina from 5–7 October, with regional groups feeding recommendations into the leaders’ summit in Podgorica on 22 October. Cybercrime Case: Montenegro extradited an Iranian-Turkish man, Amir Barati, to the US over alleged hacking of universities and other targets, with US claims of $3.4 billion in damage. Regional Security & Justice: A neo-Nazi-linked alleged plot involving Montenegro’s PM is set for trial, while EU officials continue to stress reforms and rule-of-law progress as the enlargement clock ticks.

EU Enlargement Push: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen wrapped up talks in Pristina and Podgorica, backing Kosovo’s EU path while urging institutional stability, and highlighting Montenegro’s “final sprint” toward accession, with Germany also signaling optimism if reforms keep moving. Berlin Process in Montenegro: Foreign ministers met in Pržno near Budva, with EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos saying Montenegro has closed 18 chapters and could close more mid-October, while Serbia’s Marko Djuric stressed regional stability and reforms. Montenegro’s Accession Details: Brussels is also weighing contingency plans over whether Montenegro can translate and apply EU laws on time, including possible temporary language derogations. Regional Cooperation & Security: Montenegro hosted talks with France’s Western Balkans envoy on connectivity and security, and the Berlin Process agenda tied EU integration to resilience against hybrid threats. US-Montenegro Cyber Case: Montenegro extradited an Iranian-Turkish dual national to the US over alleged $3.4B cyberattacks on 150+ universities. Local Governance/Justice: UNDP’s $5m Balkan climate resilience initiative is underway across Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia.

EU Enlargement Push: Germany’s foreign minister said Montenegro is “on the right track” and could finish accession talks by end-2026 if reforms keep moving, while the Berlin Process meeting near Budva heard enlargement is a “strategic, security and economic” priority. EU Single Market Plan: Brussels is drafting “gradual integration” that could give candidates earlier access to parts of the single market and EU programmes like research—if they align with EU security and foreign policy. Montenegro’s EU Hurdle: Montenegro’s accession may be slowed by a language/translation bottleneck, with the EU weighing temporary workarounds after Croatia raised concerns about translation quality. EU Commissioner Before Membership: New ideas would let Albania and Montenegro appoint an EU commissioner after signing an accession treaty but before all member states ratify entry, plus earlier access to EU programmes. Local Politics Watch: Montenegro’s ruling coalition faces a fresh test after MPs blocked a speaker vote tied to the Mandić/Mladić controversy, with Brussels warning there’s no room for glorifying war criminals. Diplomacy: Montenegro and the EU also discussed strengthening judicial cooperation, as the EU’s top leadership continues its Western Balkans tour.

EU Enlargement Roadmaps: Brussels is preparing a “gradual integration” plan that would give EU candidate countries earlier access to the single market, research and industrial cooperation—if they align with EU foreign policy and restrict transfers of key technologies to rivals. Western Balkans Focus: EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has kicked off a three-day tour starting in Tirana, with meetings planned in Pristina, Podgorica and Skopje, and a push for roadmaps for Albania, Montenegro, Moldova and Ukraine. Enlargement Safeguards: The Commission is also weighing tougher democracy and rule-of-law safeguards for new members, including temporary limits on certain rights and a clearer path using qualified-majority voting. Montenegro in the Mix: Montenegro is cited as an example of centralized project delivery in a related EU infrastructure push, while Montenegro–UAE judicial cooperation talks were reported this week. Regional Security & Crime: A study highlights Montenegro’s role in illicit cigarette flows across the Bosnia–Montenegro border toward the EU, with the port of Bar flagged as a key logistics hub. Culture: Filming has wrapped on Montenegrin short film “Sote,” a thriller-drama inspired by true events.

EU Enlargement Watch: The European Commission is set to propose a major overhaul of how the bloc takes decisions and add new safeguards against democratic backsliding, as Montenegro, Albania, Ukraine and Moldova push toward EU membership. Brussels is also weighing “gradual integration” for candidates—earlier access to parts of the single market, research and industrial cooperation—if they align with EU rules and stand with the EU against hostile states. Von der Leyen Balkan Tour: EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen begins a Balkan trip in Tirana, then heads to Kosovo and Montenegro, as Brussels works on step-by-step timetables, including roadmaps for Montenegro and others. Judicial Cooperation: Montenegro and the UAE discussed strengthening judicial cooperation, with a Montenegrin Supreme Court delegation meeting UAE counterparts in Abu Dhabi. Berlin Process: Bosnia’s foreign minister will join a Berlin Process ministerial meeting in Pržno on Oct. 1, hosted during Montenegro’s presidency, focusing on regional cooperation and EU enlargement benefits. Local Governance & Housing: Portugal’s PM urged opposition to scrutinise the budget responsibly, while Portugal debates loosening rental rules—an issue that echoes wider housing tensions across the region. Security & Crime: A report flags Montenegro as a key hub in illicit cigarette flows through the Bosnia-Montenegro borderland toward the EU. Diplomacy: Papua New Guinea and Montenegro formally established diplomatic relations.

EU Enlargement Safeguards: The European Commission is drafting new tools to protect EU democracy and reduce veto power as Montenegro, Albania, Ukraine and Moldova push toward membership, including a “temporary political commitment” and a safeguard clause that could suspend new members’ rights. EU Decision-Making Overhaul: Separate drafts also outline a major shift away from unanimity in accession talks using legal bridging clauses and wider qualified-majority voting, with an “emergency brake” for vital national interests. Montenegro–China Ties: China’s foreign minister is expected to visit Montenegro by mid-October as the two countries mark 20 years of diplomatic relations, with talks likely to focus on investment, infrastructure and tourism. Diplomacy Boost for Montenegro: Papua New Guinea formally established diplomatic relations with Montenegro, aiming to expand cooperation in trade, tourism, agriculture, renewables and technology. Culture & Heritage: Sharjah’s SIACH awards highlighted a Montenegrin winner in cultural heritage research, while FilmFestival Cottbus 2026 opened industry accreditation and previewed a programme including a Wajda retrospective. Sports & Society: Montenegro’s EU path also intersects with regional politics as Serbia’s election lists progress and Montenegro’s own institutional tensions remain in the spotlight.

EU Border Crackdown: The European Commission is preparing a five-point plan to digitize external border monitoring, counter smuggling and trafficking, and tackle disinformation that fuels irregular migration, including tougher sanctions and expanded Europol/Frontex roles. EU Enlargement Roadmaps: Brussels is drafting step-by-step accession roadmaps for Ukraine, Moldova, Montenegro and Albania, with indicative deadlines and reform deliverables—while requiring EU members’ consent to keep talks moving. Decision-Making Overhaul: The Commission also plans a major reform to bypass national vetoes using transitional legal tools and wider qualified-majority voting, aiming to speed up enlargement without changing the Lisbon Treaty. Montenegro–China Ties: Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi is expected to visit Montenegro by mid-October, with talks likely to focus on investment, infrastructure and tourism during the 20-year diplomatic milestone. Montenegro Politics: Milo Đukanović denied any involvement in Serbia’s election campaign tied to Ilija Srdanović, calling claims a “blatant lie.” Regional Environment: A report says the Western Balkans still sends over 83% of municipal waste to landfills, with recycling lagging far behind EU levels.

EU Accession Roadmaps: The European Commission is drafting step-by-step “roadmaps” for Ukraine, Moldova, Montenegro and Albania, with clearer reform priorities, indicative deadlines for closing negotiation clusters, and commitments from EU members—while Kosovo, North Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Türkiye and Serbia are not getting the same plans. China-Montenegro Ties: Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi is expected to visit Montenegro by mid-October for talks with President Jakov Milatović, PM Milojko Spajić and FM Ervin Ibrahimović, as the two countries mark 20 years of diplomacy. Government Tech Upgrade: Montenegro is pushing ahead with plans to sign a contract before end-2026 for a central government data centre, with Hungary’s 4iG set as preferred contractor. Visa Policy Shift: Montenegro is moving to end visa-free arrangements for Russians, Belarusians and Turks from 1 November. Regional Waste Reality: Western Balkans waste management remains weak, with over 83% of municipal waste still going to landfills—Montenegro included as it expands landfill-gas electricity. Sports & Culture: Nations League action continues across Europe, while Montenegro-linked film production is highlighted at the San Sebastián industry programme.

EU Accession Roadmaps: The European Commission is preparing phased, step-by-step “roadmaps” for Montenegro, Ukraine, Moldova and Albania, with indicative timelines for closing key negotiation stages and clearer reform expectations—plus commitments from EU member states needed for progress. Montenegro-Serbia Political Row: Former Montenegrin president Milo Đukanović denied any link to Serbia’s snap election campaign, saying he has never met Ilija Srdanović and calling claims “a blatant lie” aimed at the vote. Energy & Waste Pressure: Western Balkans waste management remains weak, with over 83% of municipal waste still going to landfills, while regional energy leaders push for faster renewables growth. Digital Infrastructure Push: Montenegro plans to move ahead with a contract for Hungary’s 4iG to build and operate a central government data centre, targeting a deal signature before end-2026. Regional Mobility Rules: Germany confirmed citizens of Montenegro and five other Western Balkan states can work without qualification checks under a special regulation, while the UK published visa rules affecting landside transit for 45 countries. Security & Money Laundering: Montenegrin police searched a Budva apartment tied to two Russian citizens, seizing cash, electronics and suspected counterfeit notes.

EU Accession & Border Policy: Montenegro will end visa-free travel for Russians, Belarusians and Turks from Nov. 1, adopting EU visa rules; China and Saudi Arabia will also need visas under changes approved in July. Security & Law Enforcement: Montenegro seized about €1 million worth of cash and equipment after searching a Budva apartment linked to two Russian citizens detained at Tivat, with police alleging smuggling and money laundering. EU Enlargement Watch: EU enlargement chief Marta Kos says Montenegro is furthest ahead and could finish technical talks this year, targeting EU membership for 2028, while Albania is also “on the right track.” International Crime Cooperation: The Abu Dhabi Declaration at a UN crime congress is expected to boost cross-border action against organised and financial crime, including asset recovery. UN Diplomacy: Russia backed India’s bid for a permanent UN Security Council seat while opposing more Western permanent seats, arguing reforms should broaden Asia, Africa and Latin America. Tourism & Investment: Montenegro’s tourism minister highlighted Azerbaijan as a key investor at AIIF 2026, with discussions on real estate, tourism and urban development. Sports: Montenegro’s national team is set to play Armenia in the UEFA Nations League on Sept. 28.

Montenegro Crime Crackdown: Police in Budva searched a flat linked to two Russian citizens detained at Tivat, seizing about €1 million in cash across eight currencies, undeclared electronics and medicines, plus IT gear and a polygraph machine, with suspected counterfeit notes also found. EU Visa Shift: Montenegro will end visa-free travel for Russians, Belarusians and Turks from Nov. 1, aligning with EU rules; China and Saudi Arabia also face visa requirements under changes approved in July. UN Security Council Reform: Russia’s UNGA push backed India (and Brazil) for permanent UNSC seats while warning reforms must not add Western permanent members, with Lavrov calling for broader Asia, Africa and Latin America representation. Cost of Living Pressure: A Europe-wide look at food prices versus minimum wages shows many workers falling behind, with Malta the exception and Turkey an extreme outlier. Tourism Spotlight: Montenegro’s tourism ties were highlighted at Azerbaijan’s AIIF 2026, where the tourism minister pointed to Azerbaijan-backed projects like Portonovi and said Montenegro is on track for EU membership.

UN Diplomacy: Russia’s Sergey Lavrov backed India (and Brazil) for permanent UN Security Council seats at the UN General Assembly, while warning against adding more permanent seats for Western countries like Germany and Japan and calling for greater Global South representation. Montenegro-EU Alignment: Montenegro approved ending visa-free deals with Russia, Belarus and Türkiye, with visas required from Nov. 1, citing EU rule alignment. EU Integration Economics: An IMF paper argues deeper EU integration for the Western Balkans—including Montenegro—could lift GDP per capita by 8–15% over the long run, pointing to gains from goods, logistics and services integration. Tourism & Investment: Montenegro’s Tourism Minister Simonida Kordić told the Azerbaijan International Investment Forum that Azerbaijan is a key investor, highlighting Portonovi as a major project, while AIIF panels focused on real estate, tourism and urban development. Culture & Rights: Italy hosted a UN Human Rights Council side event on making cultural heritage accessible for people with disabilities, with Montenegro listed among the organizers.

EU-aligned Visa Changes: Montenegro’s government has approved ending visa-free entry for citizens of Russia, Belarus and Türkiye, with visas required from Nov. 1, 2026, as Podgorica moves to match EU rules. Tourism & Investment Diplomacy: At Azerbaijan’s AIIF 2026 in Baku, Montenegro’s Tourism Minister Simonida Kordić said Azerbaijan is among the country’s key investors and highlighted Portonovi as a major Azerbaijan-built project, while a panel focused on new opportunities in real estate, tourism and urban development. Regional Connectivity Push: A separate AIIF panel heard calls for stronger regional connectivity and cooperation to handle global economic pressures, with ministers stressing trade corridors and port capacity. Culture & Inclusion at the UN: Italy promoted a UN Human Rights Council side event on making cultural heritage accessible for people with disabilities, including sensory and digital barriers. Montenegro Politics: Montenegro faces an institutional crisis after MPs failed to hold a parliamentary sitting on the proposed dismissal of Speaker Andrija Mandić over quorum and procedural disputes.

Visa Policy Shift: Montenegro’s government has approved ending visa-free arrangements with Russia, Belarus and Türkiye, aligning with EU rules; the change starts Nov. 1, 2026, with a separate plan aimed at keeping visa-free entry for holders of Turkish diplomatic, official and special passports. Parliamentary Crisis: Montenegro is also in an institutional standoff after MPs failed to hold a scheduled vote on dismissing Speaker Andrija Mandić, with the opposition accusing the majority of blocking quorum and limiting media access amid controversy over Mandić’s condolences for Ratko Mladić. EU Enlargement Politics: EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen begins a Balkan tour in Albania, with Montenegro and North Macedonia next, while Serbia and Bosnia are left for later due to elections—raising fresh questions about the pace and conditions of accession. Regional Security & Energy: EU officials are reportedly concerned that US-backed gas plans could lock the Western Balkans into long-term fossil fuel dependence, complicating green targets. International Spotlight: At the UN General Assembly, Netanyahu’s speech triggered mass walkouts by dozens of delegates, with Montenegro among the countries reported to have empty seats.

Visa policy shake-up: Montenegro’s government has approved steps to end visa-free agreements with Russia, Belarus and Turkey from 1 November, aligning travel rules with EU accession requirements (with a separate plan for visa-free access for Turkish diplomatic, official and special passport holders). Parliament standoff: An extraordinary session to dismiss Speaker Andrija Mandić failed due to lack of quorum, with opposition accusing him of blocking proper procedure and media access. UNGA tensions: Netanyahu’s UN General Assembly address triggered mass walkouts by dozens of delegates; photos showed empty seats including Montenegro among others, as the speech drew sharp backlash over Gaza and wider Middle East issues. Tourism and connectivity: easyJet announced new routes to Tivat (Montenegro) from Edinburgh and Birmingham in 2027, adding direct links for UK travellers. New science from Montenegro: Researchers identified two tiny land snail species in Durmitor and Komarnica Canyon, expanding known European biodiversity.