European Union leaders Damir Šehović, Ivan Vujović, and Vatroslav Belan have reached out to EU Ambassador to Montenegro, Johan Sattler, expressing their concerns about “the latest troubling developments in Montenegro, instigated once again by the Government led by Prime Minister Milojko Spajić.”

“We trust that the Delegation of the European Union, under your leadership, has been closely observing the recent events which have, through new anti-European, opaque, and undemocratic actions of the Government and the parliamentary majority, reignited socio-political tensions. The entire process surrounding the adoption of the Law on Ratification of the Economic Cooperation Agreement, along with the Law on Ratification of the Cooperation Agreement in Tourism and Development and Real Estate with the United Arab Emirates, demonstrates that the Government of Montenegro, under Prime Minister Milojko Spajić, as well as the parliamentary majority, led by Andrija Mandić, disregards both the Constitution of Montenegro and the EU’s standards and acquis communautaire to serve their distinct political agendas,” the letter articulates.

They further noted that laws passed in this manner do not promote the evolution of the rule of law, a thriving and transparent market economy, clear public procurement processes, the safeguarding of competition, or the protection of citizens’ property rights.

According to them, the state of Montenegro has signed agreements with another state that blatantly undermine the Constitution and laws of Montenegro, granting that state the authority to define what constitutes the public interest in Montenegro and to choose the investors who will carry out related projects.

“Where have all the laws that we have aligned with the EU acquis disappeared to, and where is the alleged commitment of the Government and parliamentary majority to our ongoing obligations regarding the EU agenda? We assume you are aware of this,” they added.

They recalled that nearly a month after the agreement between the parliamentary opposition and Prime Minister Spajić—through which the pro-European and democratic opposition, a key pillar of which is the European Union, once more showcased its commitment to be a constructive factor in normalizing the political landscape, establishing parliamentary functionality, and supporting essential EU reforms—Prime Minister Spajić, alongside Parliament President Mandić, is once again undermining the Montenegrin Constitution, our laws, and EU standards.

“This is not to mention their neglect of the demands and interests of local communities, particularly the citizens of Ulcinj, and their disparagement of the NGO sector and all stakeholders opposing the ruling majority’s behavior. This modus operandi is one we believe has already been noted by the EU Delegation to Montenegro, the European Commission, and the European Parliament. For the advancement of Montenegro’s EU aspirations, it is crucial that these esteemed institutions take explicit stances regarding the latest actions of the 44th Government and the parliamentary majority. Specifically, considering concerns raised by the EP rapporteur for Montenegro, Mr. Marjan Šarec, regarding certain clauses of the contested agreements and their potential non-alignment with EU legal norms, we question whether the content of these acts, adopted by the parliamentary majority, contradicts EU legislation and regulations,” the Alliance leaders stated in the letter.

They emphasized that the European Union comprises political and non-partisan entities that have fought for Montenegro’s EU membership for over thirty-five years while upholding fundamental European values.

“We will continue to do everything possible to ensure Montenegro, as a developed and democratic state, becomes a full EU member by the end of this decade. However, for our journey toward EU membership to reach a successful conclusion, accountability must be clearly addressed, the focus must remain firmly on EU reforms, and the influence of any entities that obstruct or threaten our shared objectives must be minimized without compromise, especially those that demonstrate an unwilling or insincere commitment to the EU platform. Only a cohesive team, whose members genuinely share the same vision and objectives, can achieve success. Any deviation from this structure risks additional delays and potential failure,” the letter concludes.

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