# Montenegrin-Croatian bilateral disputes and EU accession

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/montenegrin-presidential-diplomatic-and-bilateral-activities
> Updated: 2026-10-23T16:53:00.000Z. Sources: 30. Developments: 3.

President Jakov Milatović has engaged in various diplomatic initiatives, including proposing Montenegrin passports for tennis player Novak Đoković and discussing European integration with the outgoing Czech Ambassador, Janina Hrebičková. 

Recent diplomatic efforts have focused on resolving tensions with Croatia. Following disputes over the naming of sports facilities and a memorial plaque, the Montenegrin government renamed a municipal swimming pool in Kotor to ‘Gradski bazen – Petar II Petrović Njegoš’ and approved a memorial plaque in Morinj for victims of war crimes. During the Berlin Process summit, Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković described the compensation of former Morinj camp detainees as a “great leap forward” and welcomed the recent decisions as a “step in the right direction”.

However, Croatia maintains that six other issues must be addressed before Montenegro concludes EU accession negotiations. These remaining demands include the search for 14 missing persons, war crimes prosecution, compensation for Croatian citizens, property claims, the return of the school ship ‘Jadran’, and border demarcation. 

In Montenegro, these concessions have drawn domestic criticism. Milun Zogović of the Democratic People’s Party (DNP) described the actions as an “unconditional ultimatum from Zagreb” that could jeopardize the country’s European path, while DNP leader Milan Knežević characterized the government’s response as a “capitulation” to Croatian pressure. Political tensions have intensified as leaders from the Civic Movement URA, including Dritan Abazović, accused the administration of servility. 

Adding to the debate, Vladimir Joković has argued that Montenegro must maintain state dignity rather than indefinitely meeting Croatian demands. To address the deadlock, political scientist Feđa Pavlović has suggested that the Parliament adopt a resolution to separate these bilateral issues from Montenegro's European Union accession negotiations.

## Claims

- The Cabinet suggested ‘Gradski bazen Kotor’ as a more appropriate name for the pool in Kotor. (disputed by 4 sources)
- The Montenegrin government decided to rename the Kotor pool to ‘Gradski bazen – Petar II Petrović Njegoš’. (disputed by 4 sources)
- The name of Petar II Petrović Njegoš should not be a subject of dispute regarding sports facility names. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- The text on the memorial plaque in Morinju should have been more carefully formulated. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Crimes committed in Morinju have been judicially established. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Montenegro seeks the best possible relations with Croatia and EU membership. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Andrej Plenković described the progress on compensation for Morinj detainees as a 'great leap forward'. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Croatia is seeking resolution on six remaining open issues with Montenegro. (corroborated by 2 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-23: Montenegro faces political tension over bilateral disputes with Croatia

Montenegrin leaders debate handling bilateral disputes with Croatia and the separation of these issues from EU accession talks, while the Romani Council seeks direct parliamentary representation.

14 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/montenegro-adopts-croatian-demands-regarding-kotor-pool-and-morinj-memorial

### 2026-10-21: Croatia and Montenegro reach progress on bilateral disputes

Croatian and Montenegrin leaders reported progress on bilateral disputes involving the Morinj camp and a Kotor sports facility during the Berlin Process summit.

23 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/montenegro-presidents-office-addresses-disputes-with-croatia

### 2026-10-06: Montenegro President Milatović proposes passports for Đoković family

Montenegrin President Jakov Milatović announced plans to grant passports to Novak Đoković and his family and received the outgoing Czech Ambassador to discuss bilateral relations.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/montenegro-president-milatovi-proposes-passports-for-okovi-family

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Cite as: Montenegrin-Croatian bilateral disputes and EU accession. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/montenegrin-presidential-diplomatic-and-bilateral-activities