The cancellation of the official visit by European Council President Charles Michel signifies the European Union’s rejection of those promoting anti-European sentiments, as analyzed by Professor Nikolet Djukanovic in an interview with Radio Free Europe.

“They are attempting to further divide Montenegrin society and distance themselves from the democratic world, leading to this reaction from the European Union,” she asserts.

Prior to this, Michel had been scheduled to meet with top state officials and deliver a speech in the Montenegrin Parliament after the EU resumed negotiations with Podgorica, following the approval of a report regarding the fulfillment of temporary criteria in the rule of law on June 26th.

However, just two days after the report’s approval, the Montenegrin Parliament adopted a resolution on the genocide in Jasenovac, urged by the ruling coalition parties, which sparked concerns from EU member states regarding its anti-European implications.

Rather than visiting Montenegro, Michel has since invited President Jakov Milatovic to Brussels.

“It’s encouraging that the EU is finally responding to such events in Montenegro. The cancellation of an official visit should not create a divide between European policies. Additionally, it is impossible to maintain two completely distinct foreign policy priorities while working to satisfy different external interests,” Djukanovic explains.

There is little doubt that the motivation behind Michel’s cancellation is linked to the adopted resolution regarding Srebrenica, as indicated by the President of Montenegro, Jakov Milatović, who shared this perspective on his social media.

Contrarily, Prime Minister Milojko Spajić holds an opposing view.

Grlić Radman: Montenegro has shown two faces

Croatian Foreign Minister Gordan Grlić Radman stated that Montenegro must confront the consequences of adopting the resolution on Jasenovac, which reflects a duality—one face presented in Brussels and another in Podgorica.

He emphasized that Montenegro’s adoption of this resolution contradicts its commitments made in Brussels.

“Montenegro must focus on its European trajectory. The current Montenegrin policies appear to be manipulated for the benefit of specific interests. It is worth noting that the President of the Montenegrin Assembly is associated with Chetnik leadership,” the Croatian Ministry said.

Grlić Radman warned of potential “political and legal mechanisms” that may be considered following the resolution’s adoption and mentioned that the memory of the aggression in Dubrovnik and the establishment of the Morinj camp for Croatian prisoners during 1991-1992 remains unaddressed in Montenegro.

He stated on July 1 that he cannot believe the reason for Michel’s visit cancellation is related to the resolution regarding the victims of World War II.

“I believe Michel’s reasons for summoning Milatovic to Brussels are based on other factors,” Spajić asserted.

European and anti-European acts

With the approval of the report, the European Union has opened the door for Montenegro to close several negotiating chapters by the end of the year.

However, the pathway to EU accession was overshadowed by the resolution on the genocide in Jasenovac.

This resolution received support from all members of the ruling coalition, including “Europe Now,” Democrats, Socialists, and the parties of the former Democratic Front, led by Assembly President Andrija Mandić.

The resolution was a political counteraction to the Montenegrin Government’s backing of the United Nations resolution on the Srebrenica genocide, passed at the end of May.

The Croatian Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs sharply criticized the resolution, labeling it an inappropriate and unnecessary action that improperly politicized the victims of Jasenovac for short-term political gain.

The Croatian Ministry responded to its Montenegrin counterpart’s expression of regret regarding the resolution’s implications on neighborly relations.

Commenting on Croatia’s protest note, Nikolet Djukanovic noted that Croatia’s reaction to Montenegro’s progress in the EU should be anticipated.

“It’s completely expected for Croatia to take a stance regarding Montenegro, given that the reform capacities and legislative processes in Montenegro are currently hindered and complex,” Djukanovic points out.

Debate in parliament about cancellation of Michel’s visit

The cancellation of the visit by top European officials was a subject of debate during the Montenegrin Parliament’s session on July 1, where President Mandic could not provide an explanation for Michel’s cancellation.

“I do not know the reasons behind his cancellation. Perhaps only he knows, or maybe the best insights come from Montenegro’s President Milatović,” Mandic remarked.

In contrast, the opposition warned that the ruling parties jeopardize Montenegro’s European aspirations by adopting the resolution on Jasenovac, including the Democratic Party of Socialists’ member Andrija Nikolić.

“If Michel decided not to come to Montenegro, it indicates that consultations were held with EU member countries. Your actions in Parliament have repercussions, and it is not coincidental that Michel’s absence signals concerns regarding Montenegro’s European trajectory, as this behavior deviates from that path,” Nikolić stated.

Additionally, Miloš Konatar from the opposition remarked that the cancellation is a consequence of the Parliament and Prime Minister’s actions.

“I doubt this will provoke much regret,” Konatar told Mandic.

From the ruling coalition “Europe Now,” Prime Minister Spajic asserted that nothing could hinder Montenegro’s integration into the EU.

Moreover, the EU’s final conclusions omitted a commendation of Montenegro’s progress in the accession process, which had been included in earlier drafts.

Djukanovic: Integration of Montenegro in the EU and Policies of Mandić

Nikolet Đukanović emphasized the importance of maintaining political support from EU countries for Montenegro’s negotiation and integration process and establishing robust relations within the EU framework.

She noted that although Montenegro has achieved certain standards, it has yet to receive unreserved political backing from EU member states.

“Currently, we see that the activities of the parliamentary majority are being questioned. The prospects for Montenegro’s EU membership appear delayed rather than progressive,” Djukanovic remarked.

She concluded that this situation serves as evidence that Montenegro’s EU integration is often utilized merely as a comforting narrative for citizens, rather than a genuine directive for those in power.

Pro-Serbian parties led by Andrija Mandić and Milan Knežević have announced plans to organize a so-called All Serbian Parliament meeting akin to the one held in Belgrade on June 8.

Mandić and Knežević indicated that the meeting might take place on July 12, inviting Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić and Milorad Dodik, President of the Bosnian Entity Republika Srpska.

These parties within the ruling coalition are known for denying the Srebrenica genocide, maintaining close ties with Vučić, supporting Russian President Vladimir Putin, and advocating for the annulment of Kosovo’s independence recognition.

Mandić and Knežević also suggested they expect a restructuring and expansion of Spajić’s government to incorporate their officials.

Additionally, Knežević called on Spajić to facilitate an interstate agreement for dual citizenship with Serbia, to introduce the Tricolor flag as a national symbol, and to initiate the standardization of the Serbian language as an official language.