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2026-09-06 20:26 UTC → 2026-09-10 08:57 UTC ·
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Montenegro faces political tension amid advances EU accession push path amid CIK delays and diplomacy
Following Iceland’s decision to reject the resumption of EU negotiations, Montenegro has solidified its position continues to navigate domestic procedural hurdles and international diplomatic efforts as a leading candidate for rapid it pursues EU membership. European Parliament rapporteur Marjan Šarec noted that Montenegro could be ready ‘relatively quickly’ if The formation of the government maintains its current course. However, domestic political tensions have escalated. Opposition groups, including Central Election Commission (CIK) remains delayed following five unsuccessful recruitment attempts and the Civic Movement URA, have initiated a push to remove Speaker resignation of Parliament Andrija Mandić. The initiative follows Mandić’s expression NGO sector representative Dragan Koprivica. While Vasilije Čarapić of condolences regarding the death of Ratko Mladić, an act critics claim is ‘incompatible with European values.’ Amidst this friction, Prime Minister Milojko Spajić has warned PES party expects a replacement for the NGO sector member next week, Nikola Rakočević of hybrid activities intended to destabilize the country during DPS anticipates the negotiation process. The European Commission has responded full selection process will conclude by stating early October. However, opposition members have raised concerns that any interference in recent legal amendments have lowered the accession process criteria for selecting commission members. On the diplomatic front, Montenegro is ‘unacceptable.’ Diplomatic strengthening ties to support remains steady, with Austrian its integration goals. Minister Claudia Bauer emphasizing that Montenegro’s progress should be measured by the fulfillment of criteria rather than bilateral political disputes. Bauer expressed support for Montenegro’s goal Public Administration Maraš Dukaj met with Czech Ambassador Janina Hrebičkova to conclude negotiations by late 2026 and achieve membership by 2028, though she noted that chapters 23 discuss cooperation in public administration reform, digitalization, and 24 regarding the rule of law remain particularly challenging. Procedural hurdles also persist cybersecurity. Additionally, Minister Dragan Krapović held discussions with French Ambassador Cécile Humbert-Bouvier regarding strategic defense cooperation, including the Central Election Commission (CIK). The formation modernization of the commission is delayed following five unsuccessful recruitment attempts Montenegrin Navy through French-made patrol vessels and military training in Paris. Reinforcing the resignation push for accession, Minister of European Affairs Maida Gorčević participated in a civil society representative. While some political figures expect roundtable at the selection process European Parliament in Brussels. She reiterated the government’s objective to conclude close all remaining negotiation chapters by early October, the European Union has urged the swift establishment end of the CIK year, maintaining the goal for Montenegro to prevent further delays ahead of upcoming parliamentary elections. become the 28th EU member state by 2028.