Montenegro's President Milatović on EU Integration, Western Balkans Stability, and Organized Crime

Montenegro's EU Accession Path

• 🇪🇺 Montenegro aims to join the European Union and the Eurozone by 2028, having begun accession talks in 2012.
• 🔑 The country is considered a frontrunner due to its institutional advancement, opening all negotiation chapters, and full alignment with EU foreign and security policy.
• 🛡️ As a NATO member, Montenegro's alignment with EU policy is seen as crucial for continental security, especially following the 2022 Russian aggression on Ukraine.

Geopolitical Engagement and Challenges

• 🌍 President Milatović emphasizes the need for a more engaged Europe in the Balkans to counter malign influence and disinformation from third parties.
• 🤝 He seeks technical assistance to enhance institutional resilience against hybrid threats and improve media literacy and social cohesion.
• 🇫🇷 While acknowledging France's crucial role, Milatović notes the importance of political decisions by member states in the EU Council for accession.

Internal Reforms and Regional Cooperation

• ⚖️ MEPs have applauded Montenegro's progress but stressed the need for more work on judicial reforms, electoral reforms, and anti-corruption efforts.
• 🇭🇷 Montenegro maintains a policy of good neighborliness, with Serbia being a key economic partner and having strong family ties with Montenegro.
• 🚫 The country aims to avoid bringing problems to the EU club, highlighting its lack of major open issues with neighbors.

Combating Organized Crime and Corruption

• 🚨 Montenegro is actively tackling organized crime, with international partners like France, Europol, and Interpol playing a crucial role in dismantling criminal networks.
• 🤝 The dismantling of encrypted communications has provided evidence for prosecuting members of organized crime groups and corrupt officials within Montenegro's system.
• ✅ President Milatović has a clear mandate for zero tolerance on organized crime and corruption.

Immigration Policy and Visa Regimes

• 🛂 Milatović criticized the government's hasty decision to suspend the visa-free regime with Turkey without adequate analysis, despite some pressure from immigration.
• 📊 Montenegro has approximately 20% of its population as foreigners, indicating a need for careful analysis of immigration policy.