Montenegro Accelerates EU Integration Amid Domestic Challenges

Montenegro is navigating significant challenges as it strives for European Union (EU) membership amidst internal strife. The past year was marked by a tragic mass shooting in Cetinje, prolonged citizen protests, and political tensions, which culminated in a contentious summer tourism season and rising inflation.

As of now, Montenegro has closed 12 of the 33 negotiating chapters required for EU accession, positioning itself as a leader in the integration process. According to EU officials, Montenegro remains the best candidate for membership. In a mid-December intergovernmental conference, the country successfully closed five additional chapters, despite ongoing diplomatic hurdles, particularly from France.

Marta Kos, EU Commissioner for Enlargement, emphasized the urgency of Montenegro’s situation, stating, “The hardest part is still ahead, as Montenegro has announced its goal to complete negotiations by the end of 2026. The European Commission supports you, but you must run quickly to achieve this.” Prime Minister Milojko Spajić echoed this sentiment, asserting that it is realistic for Montenegro to finalize all chapters by the target date and await Serbia’s accession alongside its own.

This statement served as both a declaration of intent and a subtle message to Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić, who has suggested that the entire Western Balkans should join the EU together. Vučić remarked on the importance of regional solidarity, suggesting that failing to consider neighboring countries would result in missed opportunities for collective advancement.

Domestic Tensions and Infrastructure Projects

Amidst these diplomatic efforts, Montenegro faces significant domestic unrest, particularly regarding the construction of a wastewater treatment facility in Botun. The project, supported by the German KfW Bank with a funding commitment of €35 million, is crucial for environmental and public health. However, local residents and the municipality of Zeta have protested against the construction, voicing concerns over its impacts.

The protests, led by the leader of the Democratic People’s Party, Milan Knežević, escalated after police intervention resulted in the detention of 54 protesters who had camped at the site. Knežević, who received support from President Vučić, has threatened to withdraw his party from the local and national government if the project proceeds without adequate local consultation.

Failing to commence construction by the end of 2025 poses a financial risk for Podgorica, potentially jeopardizing approximately €200 million in EU funding.

Economic Outlook: Tourism and Inflation

The tourism sector, a vital component of Montenegro’s economy, presents a mixed picture. The government claims that the 2025 season was the most successful in years, with 2.4 million tourists visiting in the first nine months, reflecting a 5% increase from the previous year. However, opposition figures argue that this season was the worst in two decades, citing a 1.8% decrease in overnight stays compared to the previous year.

Compounding these issues, the annual inflation rate in Montenegro stands at 4.5%, with housing and food prices seeing the most significant increases. Analysts suggest that while global factors contribute to inflation, many of its driving forces stem from domestic economic policies and decisions.

The government briefly imposed visa restrictions on Turkish citizens following an incident involving foreign nationals in Podgorica, before reverting to a visa-free regime. This move signals the ongoing complexities of Montenegro’s immigration policies, which will need to align with EU standards within the next year.

Montenegro’s journey towards EU membership is fraught with difficulties, yet it remains a focal point of European integration efforts in the Balkans. As both local and international pressures mount, the path forward requires both swift actions and careful diplomacy.