AGP Executive Report

Accession Stalls: Montenegro missed a deadline to start constitutional amendments needed to close EU chapter 23, after a parliamentary rift over Speaker Andrija Mandić’s condolences to the family of war criminal Ratko Mladić. The changes would bar people with corruption convictions from serving as prime minister or minister; the delay may push closure beyond this year. EU Path: President Jakov Milatović said countries that meet their obligations should become full EU members, not be left in a “waiting room,” while warning that accession must depend on respect for EU values. Negotiation Progress: The EU provisionally closed three chapters on economic policy, statistics, and social policy, bringing Montenegro’s total to 21 of 33 and keeping its 2028 membership goal in view. Regional Cooperation: The EU’s democratic resilience centre will work with Montenegro and other candidate countries on countering foreign interference and protecting journalists and activists.

EU Accession: Montenegro provisionally closed three more chapters on economic policy, statistics, and social policy, bringing its total to 21 of 33. Prime Minister Milojko Spajić says the government has met its obligations and is targeting EU membership in 2028; Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos urged government and opposition to agree on the remaining reforms. Regional Security: Montenegro arrested and expelled the founder of Russian pro-war network Rybar and several associates, citing security concerns. Bilateral Ties: Armenian Ambassador Ashot Hovakimyan met Montenegrin officials to discuss political, parliamentary, tourism, and trade cooperation.

EU Accession: Montenegro provisionally closed three more chapters—economic and monetary policy, statistics, and social policy—bringing its total to 21 of 33. The government has made EU membership a priority, though Irish officials say closing all remaining chapters during their presidency will be difficult. Security: Montenegro expelled Mikhail Zvinchuk, founder of the pro-Kremlin Rybar network, and associates on security grounds after detaining them amid alleged destabilisation concerns. US Relations: Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Dick Durbin praised Montenegro’s economic progress and democratic values, pointing to bilateral agreements as a basis for closer cooperation. Regional Energy: Montenegro will join a new Energy Community oil coordination group to share supply data, flag shortages early and coordinate responses to market disruptions. Diplomacy: Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi is due to visit Montenegro from October 14 to 20 during a regional tour. Court: A Kotor court ruled that enforcement of former official Svetozar Marović’s prison sentence is time-barred; the decision can be appealed within three days.

EU Accession: Montenegro expects to provisionally close three negotiating chapters at today’s conference in Luxembourg. Two are confirmed on the agenda; a third depends on an EU member state’s approval. If all three pass, Montenegro will have closed 21 of 33 chapters. Security: Authorities detained and expelled Rybar founder Mikhail Zvinchuk and four others, citing national security, and seized their filming equipment. The case comes as Prime Minister Milojko Spajić warns of hybrid interference targeting Montenegro’s EU path. Regional Diplomacy: China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi is due to visit Montenegro from October 14 to 20, as part of a wider trip that includes Azerbaijan, Croatia and Bulgaria.

China’s Reach: Montenegro’s Western alignment has not stopped Beijing building ties across successive governments. Podgorica selected a Chinese consortium for the next Bar–Boljare highway section, while China pledged about €13 million in grants. The challenge, analysts say, is ensuring transparency and accountability as cooperation expands. Security: Montenegro expelled Rybar founder Mikhail Zvinchuk, his wife and three associates after detaining them over alleged hybrid interference. Authorities cited national security and seized digital equipment; Rybar says the group entered legally to film. Prime Minister Milojko Spajić said such efforts would not derail the country’s European future. EU Path: Brussels plans to issue Montenegro, Albania, Ukraine and Moldova accession roadmaps on October 28, setting out reforms and possible deadlines but offering no guarantee of membership. Serbia was left out, with the EU saying it must make more progress.

Security: Montenegro detained and expelled Russian military blogger Mikhail Zvinchuk, founder of the Rybar channel, his wife and three associates, citing national security. Authorities seized phones, cameras and a drone as Prime Minister Milojko Spajić warned of hybrid interference threatening the country’s EU path; Moscow has demanded an explanation. Flooding: Deadly floods swept Albania and Montenegro as rivers burst their banks, adding to urgent pressure on communities across the region. EU Accession: Montenegro is among four countries set to receive new EU membership roadmaps later this month. Serbia was left out, with Brussels saying Belgrade must make more progress to qualify.

Security: Montenegro detained and ordered the expulsion of Russian Rybar founder Mikhail Zvinchuk, his wife and three other Russian nationals on national-security grounds. Authorities said they had seized drones and digital equipment; Prime Minister Milojko Spajić said alleged hybrid interference would not jeopardize the country’s European future. EU Accession: Brussels plans to issue Montenegro, Albania, Ukraine and Moldova detailed membership roadmaps on October 28, while leaving Serbia out and urging Belgrade to make greater progress, including aligning its foreign policy with the EU. Tourism: Norwegian Cruise Line added two 2027 Mediterranean sailings with stops in Bar, while Variety Cruises announced a new Adriatic route that includes Kotor.

Security: Montenegro has expelled Russian military blogger Mikhail Zvinchuk, founder of the 1.5-million-subscriber Rybar channel, and three other Russian nationals after detaining them in a joint police and security-agency operation. Authorities cited national security; Prime Minister Milojko Spajić said suspected hybrid interference would not derail the country’s EU path. EU Path: Brussels’ proposed safeguards for future members—including possible limits on voting rights and funding for up to 15 years—set a new backdrop for enlargement hopeful Montenegro. EU leaders meet October 15–16 to discuss enlargement alongside energy costs, competitiveness, Ukraine and defence. Tourism: Norwegian Cruise Line has added two Mediterranean voyages for May 2027, both calling at Bar, after its new ship’s delivery moved forward.

Security: Montenegro detained and ordered the expulsion of Russian war-blogger Rybar founder Mikhail Zvinchuk, his wife and three other Russians, citing national security. Police said they seized drones and digital equipment; Prime Minister Milojko Spajić said the operation countered suspected hybrid activity that could threaten the country’s stability and EU path. EU Accession: Brussels is proposing safeguards that could limit new members’ funds and voting rights for up to 15 years. Montenegro, which aims to join by 2028, could sign an accession treaty next summer. Floods: Heavy rain caused deadly flooding in Albania and Montenegro, as rivers burst their banks.

Security Operation: Montenegro detained Rybar founder Mikhail Zvinchuk, his wife Valeria and three others in Risan in an operation targeting suspected hybrid influence activity. Prime Minister Milojko Spajić said the country was protecting its European future. Reports say the group planned a documentary on aligning visa rules with EU standards, allegedly portraying accession as harmful; drones and electronic equipment were reportedly found. Authorities have not detailed charges. Rybar says the group was in Montenegro legally, and Russia has sought consular access. Flooding: The Zeta River inundated homes in Danilovgrad, affecting around 30 houses and nearby villages. Near Podgorica, a temporary bridge was built after a crossing was destroyed; floods also killed at least one person in neighbouring Albania. EU Path: EU leaders are set to review Montenegro’s draft accession treaty at their October 15–16 summit, as the country aims to complete negotiations by year-end.

Flood Emergency: Rising waters from the Zeta River flooded parts of Danilovgrad, affecting about 30 homes and nearby villages. Near Podgorica, crews built a temporary bridge after a torrent destroyed a crossing; Albania reported one death as severe weather hit the region. EU Accession: EU leaders meet in Brussels on October 15–16 to discuss enlargement and review Montenegro’s draft accession treaty, as Podgorica aims to finish negotiations by year-end. Separate Commission plans would allow safeguards, including possible funding cuts or suspended voting rights, for up to 15 years after new members join. Regional Connectivity: Montenegro took part in a Corridor VIII conference in Sofia on transport, energy and security links connecting the Adriatic and Black seas. Infrastructure: Work has begun on the €237 million Budva bypass, a major project intended to ease congestion.

EU Accession: Brussels’ proposed rules could let the EU suspend new members’ voting rights or funding for serious breaches of democratic standards for up to 15 years. Montenegro is among four countries due to receive an accession roadmap on October 28, and could gain access to some EU programmes before joining. Infrastructure: Montenegro has broken ground on a €237 million Budva bypass, a major project for the coastal town. Governance: Whistleblower reports are rising, but convictions remain rare, highlighting concerns over accountability. Regional Dispute: Croatia is seeking more than $2.7 billion from Montenegro in a dispute over military property.

EU Accession: Montenegro could conclude membership talks by year-end or early 2027 and sign an accession treaty as soon as next summer, putting EU entry in 2028 in view. Brussels plans to issue a roadmap for Montenegro on October 28, while proposing tougher safeguards that could restrict new members’ funding or voting rights if they breach EU rules. Infrastructure: Work has begun on the €237 million Budva bypass, a major road project for the coastal city. Cross-Border Security: Montenegro extradited an Iranian-Turkish citizen arrested in Kotor to the United States, where he faces charges over alleged cyberattacks on universities.

EU Accession: Montenegro could conclude membership talks by year-end or early 2027 and sign an accession treaty next summer, Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos says. The country is the EU’s frontrunner and is aiming to join in 2028, subject to approval by all member states. Brussels plans to issue Montenegro and three other leading candidates roadmaps on October 28, while proposing safeguards that could suspend new members’ voting rights or funding for up to 15 years if they breach EU rules. Infrastructure: Work has begun on the €237 million Budva bypass, a major transport project for the coastal region. Crime and Property: Authorities are moving to seize the extensive real-estate holdings of a fugitive crime boss.

EU Enlargement Watch: The European Commission unveiled “Preparing for a wider Union,” a major pre-enlargement reform package for Montenegro, Albania, Moldova and Ukraine, including earlier access to selected EU policies and funding for candidates, plus stronger safeguards to protect EU values after accession. 15-Year Safeguards: Brussels proposes a new institutional “insurance policy” lasting up to 15 years, potentially allowing suspension of voting rights and funds if a new member backslides. Roadmaps for Frontrunners: EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos says indicative accession roadmaps for the four frontrunners will be presented on 28 October, with Montenegro named among the leaders. Montenegro Anti-Mafia Push: Montenegro’s Special State Prosecutor’s Office has asked the High Court in Podgorica for permanent confiscation of assets tied to alleged Kavač clan leader Radoje Zvicer, testing the new Anti-Mafia Law. Local Context: Montenegro’s EU drive remains a key theme, with officials and partners stressing “no shortcuts” while backing gradual integration models.

EU Enlargement Safeguards: EU enlargement chief Marta Kos says Brussels wants “no more Viktor Orbán” by adding a 15-year probation for new members, with possible loss of voting rights or EU funds for breaches of democratic values. EU Decision-Making Shift: The Commission also floats wider use of qualified majority voting for interim enlargement steps, including opening negotiating clusters, to speed up the process without lowering standards. Montenegro’s EU Path: Brussels is preparing pre-enlargement plans for Montenegro and other frontrunners, while Von der Leyen signals Montenegro could be ready by 2028 and frames reforms as “EU borders” preparation. Regional Diplomacy: Montenegro and Bangladesh discussed creating a parliamentary friendship group. Infrastructure in Montenegro: Montenegro broke ground on a €237.5m Budva bypass to cut summer congestion, with tunnels and bridges and a four-year build. Croatia-Montenegro Dispute: Croatia demands return of military property worth over $2.7bn from Montenegro, including claims beyond the training ship Jadran. Energy Security: An energy forum in Belgrade highlights oil-stock preparedness in Serbia, Montenegro and North Macedonia as a key part of crisis solidarity.