EditMontenegro and Croatia near agreement, clearing path for Podgorica’s EU membership
Montenegrin President Jakov Milatović announced on 4 September progress on several longstanding bilateral disputes
Montenegro and Croatia are on the verge of resolving several longstanding bilateral disputes, a development poised to advance Montenegro’s European Union accession process.
Croatia and Montenegro share a complex history, marked by the Yugoslav wars and unresolved issues. In 2000, former Montenegrin President Milo Djukanović apologised for the 1991 Dubrovnik shelling, fostering warmer relations. Diplomatic ties were established in 2006, however, tensions persist. Croatia seeks protections for its minority in Montenegro (0.7% of the population) and accountability for war crimes, including 14 missing Croats from the 1990s.
Montenegrin President Jakov Milatović announced on 4 September progress on key issues, including:
– Morinj camp compensation: Montenegro is considering payments of 15–17 million euros to Croatian citizens detained at the Morinj camp during the Yugoslav Wars (1991–1992), addressing historical grievances.
– Morinj memorial plaque: Agreement to maintain the commemorative plaque at the Morinj camp site near Kotor, despite past disputes over its wording.
– Kotor swimming pool renaming: Resolving Croatia’s concerns about the pool named after Zoran Gopčević, a Montenegrin athlete and former Morinj camp guard.
– Jadran training ship: Deferring the ownership dispute of the three-mast topsail schooner, currently held by Montenegro, to future mutual agreement or international arbitration.
– Prevlaka peninsula border: Advancing toward a permanent maritime border delineation near the Prevlaka peninsula, building on the 2002 interim agreement favoring Croatia.
These discussions, highlighted at the Bled Strategic Forum in 1-2 September, were described as constructive by Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković.
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Croatian Foreign Minister Gordan Grlić Radman echoed this sentiment, noting both nations’ commitment to resolving open issues.
President of Montenegro criticises the government
Despite these advancements, President Milatović sharply criticised the Montenegrin government’s approach, led by Prime Minister Milojko Spajić, calling its foreign policy “schizophrenic” and incoherent.
On 4 September he stated, “One faction in the government says one thing, while another says the opposite. This is not responsible diplomacy, and Croatia is exploiting our government’s lack of accountability.”
Milatović revealed he was not informed about the Bled Strategic Forum talks, despite his constitutional role mandating such updates.
The president expressed reservations about the Morinj compensation, linking it to the Montenegrin parliament’s controversial June 2024 Jasenovac Resolution, which recognised the World War II-era Jasenovac concentration camp as a genocidal operation.
Criticised by Croatia as politicising historical victims, the resolution led to sanctions against three Montenegrin officials and the blocking by Zagreb of Montenegro’s EU accession Chapter 31 (foreign policy, security, and defense). Milatović remarked, “These millions could have been better spent on Montenegrin citizens’ needs,” prioritising domestic welfare.
Historical injustices: The Goli Otok initiative
Milatović has also advocated for addressing historical injustices, notably the Goli Otok prison camp in Croatia, operational from 1948 to 1988.
The regime of Josif Broz Tito detained approximately 16,500 people, including 3,390 Montenegrins on the island of Goli Otok, part of Coatia today, with 413 deaths due to brutal conditions.
In February, Milatović urged Montenegro’s parliament to pass legislation compensating former inmates, stressing the need for moral and legal rehabilitation. He reiterated this in April, engaging with victims’ associations to advance the initiative. Serbia, Croatia, and Slovenia have already implemented similar compensation programs, setting a regional precedent.
The potential agreement with Croatia could unlock Montenegro’s EU accession progress, particularly Chapter 31, which Croatia blocked in 2024.
According to Vijesti, a resolution in the coming days could accelerate Montenegro’s goal of closing nine EU negotiation chapters by 2026.
Milatović’s criticisms reflect his ongoing rift with Spajić, following their split from the “Europe Now” movement after the 2023 elections. Since leaving the party in early 2024, Milatović has challenged the government’s policies, particularly its foreign policy missteps.
Milatović’s rapport with Croatian President Zoran Milanović, exemplified by their planned attendance at the Croatia-Montenegro football match on 8 September, at Maksimir Stadium, underscores his commitment to constructive dialogue, despite their limited executive powers.
As Montenegro and Croatia near a resolution to their disputes, Milatović’s critiques highlight the need for transparent, accountable diplomacy.
The agreement could bolster Montenegro’s EU aspirations, but internal political divisions and historical sensitivities remain challenges.
Following a favorable evaluation from Brussels, Montenegro is advancing toward EU membership, aiming to become the 28th member state by 2028. Among Western Balkan countries, Montenegro stands out as one of the most advanced candidates for EU accession.
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Montenegro submitted its EU membership application in December 2008 and was granted candidate status in 2010. Since opening negotiations in 2012, the country has made significant progress in aligning with EU standards and fulfilling accession requirements.
Sources: Compiled from Vijesti, BGNES, Balkan Inside, statements by Montenegrin and Croatian officials, and regional news on the Bled Strategic Forum and EU accession. Edited by a.k.
Caption: Montenegro’s President Jakov Milatovic looks on during a joint press conference with Polish President Andrzej Duda (not pictured) following their meeting at the Presidential Palace in Warsaw, Poland, 28 January 2025. EPA/LESZEK SZYMANSKI
Updated: September 8, 2025 - 06:00
