Montenegro’s President Launches EU Academy to Foster Dialogue

Montenegro’s President, Jakov Milatović, has introduced a new initiative called the EU Academy, designed to serve as a platform for dialogue regarding European integration and foreign policy. The inaugural event will feature former foreign ministers Igor Lukšić and Srđan Darmanović, who represented Montenegro on the international stage during the leadership of Milo Đukanović.

The launch of the EU Academy has sparked debate over the credibility of its mission. Critics point out that during the tenures of Lukšić and Darmanović, Montenegro’s path toward European integration stagnated, and reform efforts often remained more rhetorical than substantive. Given their history, their involvement raises questions about the authenticity of this “new course” in the nation’s European policy.

The name “EU Academy” has also drawn scrutiny. While it aims to signify a commitment to European ideals, the use of the EU prefix is reserved for programs officially linked with the European Union. This initiative lacks formal EU support, leading some to view the designation as a marketing strategy rather than a genuine endorsement of European legitimacy.

In a broader political context, the EU Academy aligns with President Milatović’s strategy to enhance his personal brand and engage with a younger electorate. Following the establishment of the Youth Initiatives Council, this platform is another attempt to project a modern and open leadership style through less formal formats. Yet, the selection of speakers and the symbolic nature of the title suggest that the “President’s Academy” may resemble a political public relations campaign more than a meaningful contribution to the European dialogue in Montenegro.

As the EU Academy unfolds, it will be telling to observe how it navigates the complexities of Montenegro’s political landscape and whether it succeeds in fostering genuine dialogue on the nation’s European aspirations.