Montenegro faces sensitive EU accession phase amid regional tensions

European Parliament Member Tonino Picula has expressed skepticism regarding the European Union's willingness to alter its policy toward Belgrade, noting that Montenegro is entering its most sensitive phase of EU accession negotiations. Picula stated that Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić views Montenegro's potential EU membership as “unacceptable.”

Picula highlighted that Vučić maintains influence in Montenegro through specific political figures, such as Andrija Mandić, whom he described as a key player for Serbian interests within the country. The MEP noted that while Montenegro has made significant progress toward EU membership, regional tensions and the influence of pro-Serbian political elements remain challenges. He also referenced past instances where the EU failed to react to political shifts in Serbia, such as legislative changes affecting organized crime prosecution and the presence of paramilitary groups in Kosovo.