European institutions have denounced the glorification of various criminals, while in Montenegro we continue to assert that Radovan Karadžić is a criminal, stated Daliborka Uljarević, executive director of the Center for Civic Education (CCE), during a recent announcement.

This statement was made in Podgorica at the conference titled “13 years of the European path: directions, crossroads, and turns,” organized by the CCE.

Uljarević emphasized that “it’s time to shift the political paradigm.”

She noted that “the European path has not been a linear journey,” citing deviations from it.

Furthermore, she pointed out that Montenegro lacks a consensus on what EU integration truly means.

“It appears we have approached the European Union (EU) many times, only to step back due to political maneuvering. The EU represents not just an economic alliance but a community of shared values. Those who glorify criminals fail to grasp this,” Uljarević remarked.

She continued, highlighting the Ukrainian people’s defense of European ideals of freedom and sovereignty.

Ibrahimović: The path to EU membership is a strategic commitment, not just negotiations

Montenegro’s journey toward European Union (EU) membership is defined not merely by negotiations but as a strategic commitment, declared Montenegrin Foreign Minister Ervin Ibrahimović at the conference.

“Since 2012, Montenegro has opened all chapters and has successfully closed seven. We have recently closed Chapter 5,” Ibrahimović stated.

He also mentioned that the progress toward closing additional chapters will continue at the intergovernmental conference.

“By the end of 2025, with the support of the European Commission (EC) and member states—particularly the Polish presidency—we aim to provisionally close more chapters,” Ibrahimović added.

He acknowledged that several challenges have delayed this process.

“The European future is indispensable,” he asserted.

According to him, the conflict in Ukraine has revitalized the importance of European unity.

“The EU does not demand perfection but consistency. Montenegro aligns with Europe and its values,” said Ibrahimović.

Prebilič: Avoid major blackmail

A video recorded conversation with Vladimir Prebilič, Member of the European Parliament (EP) and part of the European Union-Montenegro Stabilisation and Association Parliamentary Committee (SAC), revealed his satisfaction with the current progress.

When asked by moderator Zvezdana Kovač if it was feasible to close the chapters by the end of the next year, Prebilič acknowledged the difficulty but maintained it was not impossible.

“All of us in the EP agree that bilateral issues should not obstruct negotiations. Any existing problems should be discussed,” Prebilič remarked.

Kovač pointed out that Slovenia created challenges for Croatia during its EU accession, and now Croatia is presenting obstacles for Montenegro.

While the Bay of Piran issue between Slovenia and Croatia remains unresolved, both nations are now EU members.

“Croatia has been cautioned by the EP. Montenegro serves as an example of how a new member can be integrated into the EU without major complications. I do not anticipate any significant blackmail that would hinder Montenegro’s EU aspirations,” he emphasized.

Zenović: Collective progress is crucial

Montenegro’s Chief Negotiator with the EU, Predrag Zenović, noted the significant advancements made over the past year, crediting the administration’s effective work.

“The political climate is favorable—Russia’s aggression in Ukraine has renewed momentum for EU enlargement,” Zenović stated.

He expressed that “we all need to move forward together.”

In his view, Montenegro has made all possible efforts over the past year to advance its EU ambitions.

Marović: DPS remains the lesser evil

Former Deputy Prime Minister Jovana Marović suggested that closing all chapters within a year is still achievable.

“The process feels rushed, similar to the recent Intergovernmental Conference,” she commented.

Of the 33 chapters, she noted that nine are “well-prepared.”

“It was previously said that each year begins in January, akin to the assertions made by the DPS. I had hoped that by now we would be advancing with IBAR,” she added.

Marović pointed out that the reform agenda included 14 obligations, with 11 fulfilled; however, one unresolved matter pertains to visa policies, indicating underlying value issues.

Despite acknowledging Milo Đukanović’s significant role in DPS, she considers the current DPS a lesser evil compared to the Democratic Front (DF).

“Moving forward from Chapter 5 could lead to potential regression,” Marović warned.

She also noted that the disputes with Croatia are serious, while bilateral issues should ideally be removed from negotiations.

Radonjić: Seeing the process as a fundamental societal transformation

Miloš Radonjić, advisor to President Jakov Milatović for European Affairs, argued that the integration process should be viewed as a significant transformation of society, rather than merely a technical obligation.

“It’s a means toward achieving European standards and political culture,” Radonjić explained.

He acknowledged that while Montenegro trails the European average in negotiation duration, it holds the potential for future membership.

“Montenegro has evolved since negotiations began in 2012,” he affirmed.

Đukanović: Balance responsibilities with progress

Nikoleta Đukanović, an assistant professor at the University of Donja Gorica, argues that deadlines are often exploited, and promises to close several chapters this year have been made.

“Planning is challenging, yet taking responsibility remains essential,” she stressed, suggesting that IBAR is often portrayed as a political achievement.

She cautioned that while achieving IBAR might seem simple, it’s easy to overlook the commitments made.

Đukanović also referenced Croatia’s unfulfilled accession obligations, expressing concerns that Montenegro might face similar scenarios.

“Claims of substantial progress are questionable; party employment and nepotism speak volumes,” she remarked.

Seri: Achieving IBAR demonstrates commitment

Riccardo Seri, Deputy Head of the EU Delegation to Montenegro, acknowledged that numerous EP representatives recently visited Montenegro, including stops in Parliament.

“At this seminar, we share a common perspective on the progress being made. Montenegro has successfully closed seven of 33 chapters, which is notable. Additionally, IBAR represents a significant achievement indicating much hard work. Most laws have been approved, marking a pivotal moment in this trajectory,” Seri indicated.

He commended civil society in Montenegro for their dedicated monitoring of the ongoing process.

“There is a positive and healthy dialogue happening here,” he remarked.

Zenović: Internal criticism is valuable

Zenović reiterated that “the EC plays a vital role in offering criticism.”

“Criticism from within is equally valued; that’s why NGO representatives are included in the negotiating teams,” Zenović explained.

He encouraged everyone to reflect on “what could have been done better to expedite Montenegro’s EU integration.”

According to him, the EU represents Montenegro’s sole path forward, notwithstanding some internal critiques of the community itself.

Marović: Basic Treaty is not pivotal for EU progression

Marović noted that her government’s fall was attributed to the Basic Agreement with the Serbian Orthodox Church (SPC), which she neither supported nor recognized as a priority for advancing toward the EU.

She observed that the opposition role was largely fulfilled by NGOs until 2020.

Vuković warns against negative influences

DPS MP and Chairman of the Committee on European Integration, Ivan Vuković, took the opportunity to congratulate Parliament Speaker Andrija Mandić on receiving a decoration from Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić, describing it as reflective of his politics.

“Anything that brings Montenegro closer to the EU will receive full backing from the opposition,” Vuković asserted.

He further emphasized that citizens predominantly voted for “pro-European civic parties” rather than governance under “Milan Knežević, who openly supports the Russian president and regime.”

“The populace elected for Montenegro to progress efficiently, a promise that has yet to be fulfilled,” he lamented.

He pointed out that successful moves are often followed by setbacks imposed by the ruling majority.

“We achieved IBAR, only for Mandić and his peers to concoct the Jasenovac Resolution, thus straining relations with Croatia,” he noted.

Vuković stated concerns over the unconstitutional dismissal of Constitutional Court judge Dragana Đuranović, directly contradicting the Venice Commission’s opinion.

“We worry that malign influences will undermine our achievements. This situation does not involve Mr. Zenović or Ms. Gorčević,” he concluded.

The continuation of the recorded conversation with Prebilič revealed the necessity to uphold the rule of law.

“We are progressing towards being heard. Mistakes occur, but adjustments are made,” emphasized Prebilič.

Zenović reiterated the importance of demonstrating effective policy implementation concerning Chapter 5.

Radonjić identified the agreement with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as a significant obstacle in the EU accession process; he argued that collaboration with the academic and NGO sectors could have mitigated potential damages.

Seri: EU accession entails embracing regulations

Seri conveyed that EU membership necessitates an acceptance of specific regulations.

“My experience with Eastern European negotiations confirms that chapters require substantial investment as changes will induce considerable social repercussions,” he detailed.

Vuković emphasized the necessity of learning from past mistakes, particularly regarding how decisions affect state relations, like the estrangement from Croatia.

Marović noted that the EU appears to be urging Albania to parallel Montenegro’s trajectory, which she finds unjust since Montenegro was the first to receive IBAR.

Furthermore, she contended that the EU has not met all its commitments, advocating for a declaration and accession treaty to assure Montenegro’s entry into the EU upon fulfilling all prerequisites.

Uljarević reminded Seri that the AMU Agency Council remains incomplete and questioned the EC’s actions if it isn’t re-elected, considering the criteria for closing a chapter may be compromised.

In response, he admitted that predicting outcomes in specific chapters is challenging but reassured that they are “monitoring developments closely.”

“This is critical in Chapter 10, along with media freedom and expression. We’ve extensively discussed these issues. Montenegro must continue focusing on Chapters 23 and 24, where progress has been acknowledged. These chapters will only reach closure in later stages,” Seri stated.

He assured that they attentively observe developments and will take positions when reactions are necessary.

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