Montenegro at 20: EU Ambitions and Serbian Ties
· news
Montenegro’s EU Ambitions Mask Deep-Rooted Issues
Twenty years after seceding from Serbia, Montenegro is touted as the Western Balkan frontrunner for EU membership. However, beneath its “EU ambitions and Serbian ties” lies a complex web of corruption, unresolved divisions, and Belgrade’s subtle yet persistent influence. As Podgorica celebrates two decades of independence, it’s essential to examine the underlying challenges that threaten to derail Montenegro’s integration into the European Union.
The Art of Balance
Montenegro’s delicate balance between pro-sovereignty and pro-Serbian forces is a defining feature of its politics. Since independence, 41% of citizens have identified as Montenegrins, while 33% have identified as Serbs. This dichotomy has shaped elections, coalition politics, and the country’s relationship with Serbia. Pro-Serbian parties serve as the primary channel for Belgrade’s influence in Montenegro, making the EU accession process a fragile endeavor.
A Captured State?
Corruption has been an enduring issue in Montenegro since independence. The Democratic Party of Socialists’ (DPS) long rule under Milo Djukanovic was marked by accusations of corruption and links between politics and organized crime. Although the DPS lost power in 2020, following mass protests and church-led rallies against a contentious religious property law, concerns about corruption persist. Daliborka Uljarevic of the Centre for Civic Education notes that the problem may be even more pronounced now, with multiple actors vying for power.
The Shadow of Belgrade
Montenegro’s EU aspirations are also influenced by Serbia’s stance on its neighbor’s independence. Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic’s response to an invitation to attend Montenegro’s anniversary celebrations was telling: “You did not bother us. We saw you as sisters and brothers and wanted to live in the same state with you.” His admission that Serbia “loved” Montenegrins more than they loved themselves reflects a lingering sense of ownership over the territory. Aleksandar Popov of the Center for Regionalism believes Belgrade will continue to slow down Montenegro’s progress toward EU membership, as it undermines Vucic’s argument that Europe doesn’t want Serbia.
A False Sense of Security?
Despite its reputation as a regional success story, Montenegro faces significant challenges. While it has managed to kick-start stalled EU accession talks and speed up reforms, the country still struggles with corruption, institutional weaknesses, and unresolved divisions. The current momentum of EU integration should be used as an opportunity for deeper change, rather than merely a geopolitical shortcut into the bloc. Uljarevic warns that Montenegro risks entering the union as a “defective state” if it prioritizes speed over proper reform.
The EU’s Role
As Brussels renews its interest in enlargement, the European Union must consider the complex dynamics at play in Montenegro. The union has a responsibility to ensure that new members are not simply admitted for strategic reasons but are genuinely prepared to meet the high standards of membership. This requires a nuanced approach to Montenegro’s integration, one that acknowledges both its progress and vulnerabilities.
A Fragile Balance
Montenegro’s EU aspirations are built on a fragile balance between competing interests. As the country continues to navigate its complex identity crisis, unresolved divisions, and Belgrade’s subtle influence, it risks undermining its own progress toward EU membership. The European Union must carefully consider Montenegro’s integration, ensuring that the country is prepared to meet the challenges of membership. Anything less would be a disservice not only to Montenegro but also to the principles of European integration itself.
The fate of Montenegro’s EU aspirations hangs in the balance. As Podgorica celebrates two decades of independence, it must confront the complex web of issues that threaten to derail its integration into the European Union. The question remains: can Montenegro overcome its internal challenges and secure a place among Europe’s member states? Only time will tell.
Reader Views
- RJReporter J. Avery · staff reporter
While Montenegro's EU ambitions are admirable, it's crucial to acknowledge that its economic integration will not necessarily translate to social cohesion. The country's deep-seated ethnic divisions and persistent influence from Belgrade threaten to undermine even the most well-intentioned reform efforts. The DPS's departure from power in 2020 marked a significant shift, but without substantial reforms to address corruption and address the root causes of its societal fissures, Montenegro risks becoming a member state that's more focused on image than substance.
- ADAnalyst D. Park · policy analyst
While Montenegro's EU aspirations are laudable, its integration is being artificially propped up by Brussels' enthusiasm for a stable Western Balkan partner. A more nuanced approach would recognize that Montenegro's democratic deficit and lingering authoritarian tendencies threaten to undermine the very notion of "EU-ness" it seeks to adopt. Furthermore, Podgorica's tendency to prioritize economic cooperation with Belgrade over genuine reforms will only perpetuate its dependence on Serbia and limit true autonomy. Until these systemic issues are addressed, EU membership for Montenegro is little more than a hollow promise.
- CMColumnist M. Reid · opinion columnist
While Montenegro's EU aspirations are touted as a success story, the real challenge lies in bridging the gap between its pro-sovereignty and pro-Serbian forces. But what about the third force: Albanian communities making up nearly 5% of the population? Their plight is often overlooked in favor of the dominant narrative surrounding Montenegrin-Serb relations. As Podgorica celebrates two decades of independence, it's essential to acknowledge the undercurrents driving a wedge between ethnic groups and further eroding trust in institutions.