Montenegro’s political gridlock is stalling its path to the European Union, analysts warn, as they urge leaders to put aside differences and focus on reforms.
Tensions between opposition parties and the ruling coalition have slowed progress on EU membership, despite Montenegro’s status as a NATO member since 2017. The country opened accession talks in 2012 but has completed only 20% of required reforms.
“The EU wants Montenegro in as soon as possible, along with other Western Balkan countries, but that won’t happen unless political actors work together,” said Xhevdet Pepic, a former editor at Montenegrin media outlets.
Since 2020, political infighting has destabilized institutions and hurt Montenegro’s EU bid, said Ismet Kallaba, editor-in-chief of the Albanian-language newspaper Koha Javore.
“We’ve had constant political crises, and they’ve set back our EU path,” Kallaba said. “With only 20% of negotiation chapters completed, that’s a real disappointment.”
A draft EU report discussed in Brussels this week calls on Montenegro’s leaders to move beyond rhetoric and start delivering results on key reforms.
“The EU is clear—enough talk, it’s time for action,” Kallaba said.
Pepic stressed that political stability and cooperation are Montenegro’s only path forward.
“Opposition and ruling parties need to engage in real dialogue. That’s the only way we’ll reach full EU membership,” he said.
The European Parliament’s draft report, debated Thursday, highlights the urgent need for political stability, commitment, and bipartisan cooperation to move Montenegro closer to the EU.
