Montenegro is celebrating two decades since its independence from a union with Serbia, a milestone that has seen the Balkan nation join Nato and now set its sights on European Union membership by 2028. President Jakov Milatovic expressed optimism that the country of 623,000 people can achieve its goal, encapsulated in the motto '28 by 28,' which is even displayed on a national airline plane.
Speaking to The Associated Press, Milatovic highlighted Nato membership as a crucial achievement and a security guarantee for the small nation. He noted that support for EU membership in Montenegro is around 80%, but stressed that completing democratic and economic reforms is now 'entirely up to Montenegro.' The EU has formed a working group to draft an accession treaty, signalling that membership remains within reach.
Montenegro is considered a front-runner among six Western Balkan countries at various stages of the EU accession process. EU officials are expected to reiterate this message at a meeting in the coastal town of Tivat in early June with leaders from Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, North Macedonia, Serbia, and Kosovo.
The independence referendum on May 21, 2006, was divisive, with 55.5% voting to leave the State Union of Serbia and Montenegro. The split was driven by longtime leader Milo Djukanovic, who steered the country into Nato and away from Russia. Former European integration minister Jovana Marovic acknowledged challenges, particularly in strengthening state institutions, saying, 'What was missing in the last 14 years, we have to provide now just in six months.'
For citizens, economic concerns remain paramount. Zorana Popivoda, 28, hailed independence but lamented that 'you go into a store and you see that you can buy absolutely nothing.' President Milatovic, an economist, criticised previous authorities for not doing more to boost democratic reforms and fight organised crime and corruption, acknowledging 'a number of missed opportunities' over the past 20 years.
