Political Consultant Warns of Challenges Ahead for Montenegro’s EU Bid

Political consultant and analyst Aleksandar Mušić expressed concerns regarding Montenegro’s path to European Union membership, emphasizing that significant challenges are expected by 2027/28. Speaking on the central news program “24 Hours” on Television E, Mušić highlighted the importance of Montenegro’s integration into the EU while questioning the genuine commitment of the current leadership to the country’s reforms.

According to Mušić, while the EU is eager for Montenegro to join, the leadership’s performance remains questionable. He stated, “The closing of chapters is happening almost on autopilot. If you placed a houseplant in the position of the Minister for European Integration or the Prime Minister, the chapters would still close because the EU sincerely wants Montenegro in its membership.” This observation underscores a growing sentiment that the EU’s interests may overshadow Montenegro’s internal dynamics.

Mušić pointed out that the absence of serious lobbying efforts in various European countries could hinder Montenegro’s accession process. He stressed the need for proactive engagement, particularly in nations where power shifts are anticipated post-2027. This strategic approach is essential to navigate the changing political landscape within the EU.

Looking ahead, Mušić noted that the first serious obstacles to Montenegro’s EU bid will arise as the electoral climate in Europe evolves. He remarked that the parliamentary decisions on Montenegro’s accession will increasingly reflect the political sentiments of these countries, potentially complicating the integration process.

Examining the internal political landscape, he criticized the ruling Democratic Party of Socialists (DPS) for failing to deliver substantive reforms that directly benefit citizens. He stated, “You have the PES nominally closing chapters without delivering any reforms vertically—nothing that would directly impact the citizens’ quality of life.” Mušić also pointed to the rising influence of the New Serbian Democracy party and the challenges posed by opposition parties, which he believes are failing to capitalize on the government’s missteps.

Mušić characterized the current coalition, known as “For the Future of Montenegro,” as a minor distraction amidst a broader political struggle. He likened the coalition’s dynamics to a “good cop, bad cop” scenario, suggesting that the interplay between different factions within the coalition may not reflect genuine ideological differences.

He criticized the opposition for its missed opportunities, stating that the current government is rife with scandals that could be leveraged for political advantage. “In Montenegro, the opposition has hundreds of chances each day to score points. The level of embarrassment and missteps in the government is unparalleled,” he remarked. Mušić urged for a more aggressive opposition approach to take advantage of the ruling party’s vulnerabilities.

Commenting on President Jakov Milatović, Mušić did not hold back. He described Milatović as the “greatest political talent deficit” to emerge on the Montenegrin political scene, stating, “The more he struggles, the more he sinks.” Mušić believes that Milatović’s lack of social support is detrimental to his political standing. “He has no one who trusts or fears him. In politics, you need at least a mix of those elements,” he added.

He suggested that Milatović could have enjoyed significant public support had he taken a more reserved approach after his election victory. “Had he simply remained quiet after his win, he could be enjoying a 60% approval rating today,” Mušić argued.

In a related context, Mušić addressed the recent case involving Miloš Medenica, criticizing the state’s failure to uphold accountability. He stated that the government must answer for its inability to enforce laws effectively, especially in light of the Prime Minister’s calls for responsibility that have yielded no results.

He specifically criticized the Minister of Internal Affairs and the Director of the Police Administration for their handling of the situation, indicating a failure to act in accordance with legal standards. Mušić concluded by suggesting that Vesna Medenica has chosen to accept punishment in an effort to protect her son, highlighting the complex interplay of personal and political interests that often characterizes Montenegrin governance.

As Montenegro navigates its EU aspirations, the interplay between internal politics and external expectations will undoubtedly shape its future trajectory. The coming years will be crucial in determining whether Montenegro can overcome these hurdles and realize its European ambitions.