Montenegro implements meat import ban and discusses EU accession preparations

Montenegro has suspended the import of beef and poultry from Brazil following European Union regulations. Vladimir Đaković, Director of the Food Safety, Veterinary and Phytosanitary Services, stated that Brazil is no longer on the list of approved third countries due to concerns regarding the use of growth-stimulating antibiotics. Approximately 102 tons of meat with expired shelf lives were also identified under customs supervision at the Port of Bar, which authorities intend to return or destroy.

In legislative developments, a proposal has been submitted to delay the implementation of a tobacco product traceability system until Montenegro joins the EU. MP Jovan Subotić noted that the necessary legal, technical, and organizational frameworks, including the selection of a system operator, have not yet been established.

Additionally, European Affairs Minister Maida Gorčević addressed the need to prepare Montenegro’s constitutional order for the rights and obligations of EU membership, emphasizing the importance of aligning the legal system with European standards.