AGP Executive Report

EU Integration: Montenegro says it has completed its work on all 33 negotiating chapters, with 98 closing benchmarks and nearly 1,000 reform activities addressed. Minister Maida Gorčević is targeting the end of negotiations in 2026, an accession treaty in 2027 and EU membership in 2028. Berlin Process: At a summit in Montenegro, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said joining the EU by 2028 was realistic, while urging Western Balkan governments to keep up reforms. Unresolved disputes with Croatia remain a potential obstacle. Research Cooperation: The EU and six Western Balkan partners, including Montenegro, endorsed a plan to deepen research and innovation ties and prepare a joint action plan to support integration. Russia Ties: Russia’s ambassador said dialogue with Podgorica was almost completely frozen, blaming Montenegro’s pro-Western course and NATO membership.

EU Accession: At the Berlin Process summit in Montenegro, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Montenegro could join the EU by 2028, while EU leaders plan to press Western Balkan governments to speed up reforms. Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos called signing Montenegro’s accession agreement by summer 2027 realistic, though Croatia’s objections remain a hurdle. Governance: Parliament has backed constitutional changes enabling integrity checks for future ministers and prime ministers, a reform tied to EU demands. Tourism and Ties with Russia: Russia’s ambassador says tourist arrivals from Russia could fall sharply after Montenegro introduces visa requirements on November 1; he also described political dialogue between the countries as largely frozen. Local Economy: Drought has cut citrus yields in the Ulcinj region.

EU Accession: At the Berlin Process summit in Montenegro, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz backed rapid Western Balkan enlargement and said Montenegro could join the EU by 2028. Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos called the goal realistic, with an accession treaty possible by summer 2027, but urged continued reforms. Croatia Dispute: Kos said progress still requires the consent of all 27 EU members, as Croatia’s unresolved bilateral issues remain a hurdle for Podgorica. Integrity Checks: Parliament backed constitutional changes to allow integrity checks for future ministers and prime ministers, a step tied to EU reform efforts. Tourism: Russia’s ambassador predicts a sharp fall in Russian visitors after Montenegro introduces visa requirements on November 1; that is a forecast, but the change could weigh on tourism businesses.

EU Accession: At the Berlin Process summit in Miločer, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Montenegro could join the EU by 2028, urging regional leaders to speed up reforms and cooperation. EU Commissioner Marta Kos said an accession treaty by summer 2027 is realistic, but progress still depends on all 27 member states, including Croatia, with which Podgorica has unresolved disputes. Regional Cooperation: Leaders are being pressed to turn years of pledges into action, as agreements on travel and recognition of university degrees remain stalled. Governance: Montenegro’s parliament has backed constitutional changes allowing integrity checks for future ministers and prime ministers. Security: A new commentary warns that pro-Russian and Serbian nationalist networks are recruiting Montenegrins to fight for Russia in Ukraine, while questioning whether state institutions are investigating.

Berlin Process: Western Balkan leaders meet in Montenegro as Prime Minister Milojko Spajić and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz open a summit focused on turning regional pledges into practical results and advancing EU integration. EU Accession: Commissioner Marta Kos says Montenegro could sign its accession treaty by summer 2027 and join in 2028, if reforms continue and disputes with Croatia are resolved; she stressed that all 27 member states must support the next steps. Integrity Checks: Parliament has advanced constitutional changes allowing integrity checks for government nominees, a reform linked to the country’s EU path. Rule of Law: Montenegro ranked highest in the Western Balkans in the 2026 World Justice Project index, at 57th globally. Tourism: UK arrivals to Montenegro nearly matched 2019 levels in the first seven months of the year.

EU Accession: Commissioner Marta Kos says Montenegro could sign its EU accession treaty by summer 2027 and join in 2028, if it completes reforms and settles disputes with Croatia. Media Freedom: Montenegro’s media union has voiced solidarity with independent Serbian journalists ahead of Serbia’s 25 October election, warning that press freedom at home also needs defending. Government Integrity: Parliament has backed constitutional changes to allow integrity checks for future ministers and government nominees. Security Modernisation: A €54.25 million contract will upgrade Montenegro’s police and border-control systems with new technology and training. Tourism: UK visitor numbers nearly matched the full 2019 total in just the first seven months of 2026, with three new direct routes planned for 2027. Regional Ties: Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met Montenegrin leaders during a visit focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation.

Tourism: Montenegro welcomed 79,093 UK visitors in the first seven months of 2026, almost matching the 80,873 recorded for all of 2019. Three new UK routes to Tivat are planned for 2027. Regional Tensions: Serbian journalist Ljubomir Stefanović has requested asylum in Montenegro, saying he fears returning after police searched his home and seized equipment; Serbian authorities are seeking him on suspicion of causing panic and disorder. Security Technology: Hungarian firm 4iG won a €54.25 million contract to modernise Montenegro’s police and border-control systems, supporting preparations for EU membership. Government Integrity: Parliament backed the first step toward constitutional checks on candidates for prime minister and cabinet posts. The proposal still requires drafting and further approval. EU Accession: Montenegro passed two laws addressing disputes raised by Croatia, including protections for wartime memorials and limits on naming sports facilities after recently deceased people. Wider disagreements remain unresolved and could slow the membership bid.

EU Accession: Montenegro’s parliament backed the first step toward constitutional changes requiring integrity checks for prime minister and cabinet nominees. A detailed law would also need a two-thirds majority; the amendments are not yet final. Croatia Disputes: Podgorica passed two laws addressing Zagreb’s demands over wartime memorials and naming sports facilities. Croatia has listed eight outstanding issues that could slow Montenegro’s EU bid. Police Modernisation: Hungarian firm 4iG signed a €54.25 million contract to upgrade law enforcement and border-police systems, including equipment, software and training, in line with EU standards. Economic Growth: Prime Minister Milojko Spajić presented the planned Euro Model to the IMF as a way to attract investment, strengthen key sectors and tackle the current-account deficit. China Ties: Foreign Minister Wang Yi met Montenegro’s foreign minister during a visit focused on deepening bilateral cooperation.

Economic Growth: Prime Minister Milojko Spajić presented the planned Euro Model to the IMF as a way to attract investment, strengthen energy, tourism and technology, and tackle Montenegro’s current-account deficit. EU Accession: Podgorica is moving to address Croatia’s objections, including passing laws on historical sites and naming sports facilities, as it pursues EU membership by 2028. China Ties: During Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s visit, Spajić called for deeper cooperation; Chinese firms have helped build the north-south highway, and the Tara River Bridge is being restored jointly. Business and Tourism: A Monaco trade mission signed a cooperation deal with Montenegro’s Chamber of Economy and held more than 150 business meetings. Kotor also hosted the first World Travel Awards Europe gala in Montenegro.

EU Accession: Montenegro is trying to resolve Croatia’s eight demands, which threaten its bid to join the EU by 2028. New laws protect a memorial plaque to Croatian victims of the Morinj camp and require Kotor to rename a pool honouring a former camp guard. Montenegro has closed three negotiating chapters, but a parliamentary rift has also delayed progress. China Ties: Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s visit brought pledges to deepen cooperation on infrastructure, tourism, energy and green transition. Prime Minister Milojko Spajić highlighted Chinese involvement in the north–south motorway and the restoration of Tara Bridge. Investment and Return: Spajić also sought World Bank support for investment in energy, tourism and airports, and ways to encourage skilled Montenegrins abroad to return. He warned that population loss threatens the workforce and national identity. Tourism: Kotor hosted the first World Travel Awards Europe gala in Montenegro. The country was named Europe’s Leading Nature Destination, while Kotor won Europe’s Leading Emerging Tourism Destination.

Investment and Diaspora: Prime Minister Milojko Spajić asked the World Bank for support to boost investment and encourage skilled Montenegrins to return, with potential cooperation in energy, tourism and airport development. China Ties: Visiting Foreign Minister Wang Yi met President Jakov Milatović, Spajić and Foreign Minister Ervin Ibrahimović as both sides explored cooperation in infrastructure, energy, tourism and trade. Montenegro says EU membership remains its foreign-policy priority. EU Accession: Montenegro has provisionally closed three more negotiating chapters and is aiming to finish talks this year, but Croatia’s demands over bilateral disputes remain a hurdle. Tourism: Montenegro hosted its first World Travel Awards Europe gala in Kotor Bay. The country won Europe’s Leading Nature Destination, while Kotor was named Leading Emerging Tourism Destination.

China Ties: President Jakov Milatović met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Cetinje, welcoming the first visit by a Chinese foreign minister and backing deeper cooperation in infrastructure, trade and tourism while reaffirming EU accession as Montenegro’s priority. Tourism: Montenegro hosted the European World Travel Awards in Kotor Bay. The country was named Europe’s Leading Nature Destination, while Kotor won Leading Emerging Tourism Destination. EU Accession: Montenegro has provisionally closed 21 of 33 negotiating chapters and aims to finish talks this year, but Croatia’s push to remove an end-2026 deadline and resolve eight bilateral disputes adds uncertainty. EU leaders welcomed work on Montenegro’s accession treaty. Regional Unrest: Albania’s Prime Minister Edi Rama said violent, student-led protests threaten the country’s EU path, as demonstrators demanding his resignation clashed with police in Tirana and other cities.

EU Accession: Croatia secured the removal of a year-end deadline for closing Montenegro’s negotiating chapters, and presented eight demands tied to bilateral disputes. The setback came despite Montenegro closing three chapters earlier this week, bringing its total to 21. Security: Montenegro’s expulsion of Russian military blogger Mikhail Zvinchuk is drawing fresh attention as Podgorica warns of possible Russian destabilization efforts and hybrid warfare. Tourism: Montenegro’s overnight stays fell 0.5% in 2025, while Albania’s rose 27%; Montenegro still records roughly twice as many overnight stays per resident. Russia Ties: Moscow is introducing visa requirements for Montenegrin citizens, a reciprocal move after Montenegro imposed entry restrictions on Russians.

EU Accession: The Brussels summit offered Montenegro no clear timetable: Croatia helped remove a proposed year-end deadline for closing negotiating chapters and set out eight bilateral demands, including disputes over property, war crimes and historical assets. EU leaders welcomed work on an accession treaty. Montenegro provisionally closed three more chapters this week, bringing its total to 21, with 2028 still its membership goal. Security: Montenegro’s expulsion of Russian military blogger Mikhail Zvinchuk has sharpened its tensions with Moscow. Prime Minister Milojko Spajić cited concerns about destabilization and hybrid warfare. Tourism and Heritage: Montenegro will host ABTA’s travel convention in 2027. Meanwhile, drought at Lake Piva has exposed buildings submerged when the reservoir was created in 1975, including the remains of a former farmstead.

EU Accession: EU leaders welcomed work on Montenegro’s accession treaty, but Croatia pushed to remove a year-end deadline for closing negotiating chapters and presented eight demands. Germany is urging Zagreb to avoid stalling enlargement. Montenegro recently closed three chapters, bringing its total to 21, as its 2028 membership goal faces fresh uncertainty. Tourism: Kotor hosts the World Travel Awards’ Europe gala on Oct. 17, the first time the event has been held in Montenegro. Press Freedom: Photojournalist Boris Pejović criticized a €150 fine for death threats against him and a colleague, saying it matched the penalty he received for using a phone while driving. Lake Piva: A severe summer drought has exposed houses and other remains submerged since the reservoir was created in 1975, when residents were forced to relocate.

EU Accession: EU leaders welcomed work on Montenegro’s accession treaty, but Croatia succeeded in removing a draft deadline to provisionally close all negotiating chapters by year-end. Zagreb says disputes over the judiciary, war legacy and foreign policy must be addressed; Germany is urging Croatia to avoid derailing the process. Montenegro recently closed three more chapters, bringing its total to 21, with 12 remaining. Rule of Law: Photojournalist Boris Pejović criticized a €150 fine for death threats against him and a colleague, saying it risks emboldening attacks on journalists. International Cooperation: Montenegro was among the first signatories to a Council of Europe treaty aimed at improving cross-border recovery of criminal assets, including cryptocurrency. Tourism: Kotor Bay hosts the World Travel Awards’ Europe gala on October 17, the first time the event has been held in Montenegro. Lake Piva: A severe summer drought has exposed buildings from the town submerged when the reservoir was created in 1975.