Montenegro Accelerates EU Bid Amid Internal Challenges and Protests

Montenegro is intensifying its efforts to join the European Union despite facing significant internal challenges. The past year was marked by a series of critical events, including mass protests over governmental decisions, a shaky tourism season, and economic pressures such as rising inflation. With ongoing negotiations to close the remaining chapters of its EU accession process, the government is racing to finalize its bid by the end of 2026.

The country has successfully closed 12 out of 33 negotiation chapters, positioning itself as a leader in the EU integration process. European officials assert that Montenegro is the best candidate for membership, a sentiment echoed during the Intergovernmental Conference held in December, where Montenegro finalized five more chapters despite facing potential blockages from France. European Commissioner for Neighborhood and Enlargement, Marta Kos, emphasized the urgency of Montenegro’s progress, stating, “To achieve this, you need to run fast.”

Prime Minister Milojko Spajić expressed optimism regarding the government’s ability to close all chapters by the target date. His statement also served as a reminder to Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić, who suggested that the entire Western Balkans should join the EU concurrently. This comment has been interpreted as a reflection of regional competition, with Vučić hinting at concerns over Montenegro’s rapid advancement.

Protests Erupt Over Wastewater Treatment Project

As the year concluded, tensions escalated in the village of Botun, where construction machinery began arriving for a new wastewater treatment plant. Local residents and municipal leaders have voiced strong opposition to the project, resulting in clashes with police. The protests are led by Milan Knežević, head of the Democratic People’s Party, who announced plans to propose his party’s exit from the government in Podgorica.

The construction of this facility, financed by the German KfW Bank with a budget of €35 million, represents the largest EU project in Montenegro. Failure to commence work by the end of 2025 could jeopardize the city of Podgorica’s potential to lose as much as €200 million in funding. Knežević, supported by Vučić, has labeled himself the “leader of Serbs in Montenegro,” further complicating the political landscape.

Tourism and Economic Pressures Intensify

Montenegro’s tourism sector faced scrutiny throughout the 2025 season, with opposition parties describing it as the worst in two decades, while the government claimed it was the most successful to date. According to statistics from the Statistical Office, known as Monstat, Montenegro welcomed 2.4 million tourists in the first nine months of the year, a 5 percent increase from the previous year, although overnight stays decreased by 1.8 percent.

The 2024 tourism figures were disappointing, showing a 3.6 percent decline in revenue compared to the prior year, a trend not seen in the last twenty years. Compounding these issues, the annual inflation rate in Montenegro has reached 4.5 percent, driven largely by rising accommodation and food prices. Analysts suggest that while global factors contribute to inflation, significant internal decisions have also played a critical role.

Montenegro remains heavily reliant on imports, and its economy is predominantly service-based. This dependence was starkly highlighted when the government briefly enforced visa restrictions on Turkish citizens following an incident in Podgorica. The government later reversed this decision and reinstated a visa-free regime, but officials acknowledged that they must align their visa policies with EU standards within a year.

As Montenegro navigates its path toward EU membership, the interplay of internal strife, economic challenges, and regional dynamics will be pivotal in determining its future relationship with Europe.