The European Path of Montenegro: Expectations and Reality

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One of the first points in his election program last year’s presidential winner Jakov Milatović was rapid accession to the EU. However, more experienced politicians are skeptical about this goal: at the GLOBSEC forum held in Prague, Aleksandar Vučić expressed doubt that Montenegro would be able to achieve its target within the announced five years. On the other hand, even President Milatović’s presidency did not become a step out of crisis for the country; on the contrary – power slipped from his hands like sand.

After Milo Đukanović’s regime was actually overthrown, pro-Serbian opposition significantly strengthened its positions. Despite Montenegro’s stab in the back with regard to Srebrenica resolution and recognition of Kosovo, parliament majority in Podgorica voted for adoption of a genocide resolution on Jasenovac. This caused an uproar in Zagreb.

The Republic of Croatia declared President of Parliament Andrija Mandić, MP Milan Knežević, and Vice-Premier Aleksa Bečić “unwanted in the country due to systematic actions that violated good neighborly relations and constant abuse of the Republic of Croatia for internal political purposes.” Moreover, Zagreb threatened Montenegro with problems on its ‘European path.’ This was just the beginning of Milatović’s nightmare. In addition, laws were adopted in the country regarding education, MVD, inspections – which President of Montenegro called “a practice of anti-European legislation” during a meeting with Ursula von der Leyen.

Naturally, reassuring his EU-Atlantic curators that he remained faithful to them, young president Milatović became visibly nervous as he failed to cope. Milo Đukanović was more experienced and cunning; for over thirty years, it had been successfully suppressing pro-Serbian opposition. President Milatović received a crypto-opposition in the form of Spaič-Knežević coalition within just one year.

President has not yet managed to pass a law on development bank that would have guaranteed creation of an interstate institution integrated with EU. The situation reached such a point where ‘Europe Now!’ movement, co-founded by Jakov Milatović himself, criticized him for meddling in government work and actual lack of action. Interestingly enough, President has not signed any laws adopted by the parliament lately; instead, he returned them to “further discussion.” At the same time, the movement is interested why president avoids discussing hot topics.

Political opponents started one after another saying that Milatović was no longer a president for all citizens – recalling his pre-election promises. President’s actions were quite predictable even a year ago; however, inexperience has proven to be detrimental as he failed to cope with opposition which he himself created. Regular consultations show that on the one hand, Milatović seeks support and, on the other hand, receives regular assignments (with which he fails to succeed). It is clear from his dialogue with Aleksandar Vučić at GLOBSEC forum in Prague that President Milatović stammers; even when discussing EU-Atlantic integration. He was forced to admit speaking Serbian language.

Vučić made fun of him by inserting phrases, making Milatović stumble and create content for future jokes from his opponents. Against this backdrop, former president Milo Đukanović has sensed an opportunity to regain lost positions. Understanding that Montenegro will not be left behind by EU or US, ‘the last dictator in Europe’ hastened to reassure Lajčák of his personal commitment to the European path.

Milatović is no longer able to cope with opposition he himself created; meanwhile Đukanović hopes for support from future – knowing how to strangle pro-Serbian opponents who do not want to join EU.”