Montenegro remains key EU candidate after Iceland rejects accession negotiations

EU accession Montenegro Iceland referendum Andrija Mandić hybrid threats

Montenegro remains a leading candidate for EU accession following Iceland's referendum, where voters rejected the resumption of EU negotiations. European Parliament rapporteur Marjan Šarec noted that Montenegro is now positioned as a country that could be ready for membership relatively quickly, provided the government maintains its current course.

In Montenegro, political tensions are rising as the European Alliance and other opposition groups, including the European Alliance and the Civic Movement URA, support an initiative to remove Speaker of Parliament Andrija Mandić. The push for his removal follows Mandić's condolences sent regarding the death of Ratko Mladić, an act critics describe as incompatible with European values. While some ruling coalition members have distanced themselves from Mandić's personal views, none have officially announced support for his dismissal.

Concurrently, Prime Minister Milojko Spajić has warned of hybrid activities aimed at destabilizing Montenegro during the process of closing EU negotiation chapters. The European Commission has responded by stating that any interference in Montenegro's accession process is unacceptable and has pledged support to strengthen democratic institutions and cyber resilience.

Entities

Andrija Mandić · Democratic Party of Socialists · European Commission · European Union · Iceland · Jakov Milatović · Marjan Šarec · Milojko Spajić · Montenegro

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[○ 1 SOURCE] Prime Minister Milojko Spajić claimed that closing EU negotiation chapters would be accompanied by hybrid activities. etv.me
[○ 1 SOURCE] The European Commission stated that any interference in Montenegro's EU accession process would be unacceptable. etv.me
[● 4 SOURCES] The initiative to remove Andrija Mandić is based on his condolences sent following the death of Ratko Mladić. www.portalanalitika.me
[○ 1 SOURCE] Eurostat data for 2025 shows 67.2% of Montenegro's population could not afford a seven-day holiday abroad. beraneonline.me
[○ 1 SOURCE] 52.8% of Icelandic voters voted against continuing EU accession negotiations.
[○ 1 SOURCE] Tourism accounts for approximately 30% of Montenegro's GDP. beraneonline.me
[DISPUTED] Icelandic voters rejected the resumption of EU accession negotiations in a referendum. n1info.rs
[● 4 SOURCES] The European Alliance announced it will sign an initiative to remove Andrija Mandić from the position of Speaker of the Parliament. www.radiorozaje.me · www.portalanalitika.me