UPDATE: The Office of President Jakov Milatović of Montenegro has just issued a strong rebuttal against claims made in a recent column, asserting that he is undermining the country’s EU integration efforts. This urgent response comes after the column suggested that Milatović signed EU agenda laws under pressure from Brussels.
In a statement released earlier today, the president’s office condemned the narrative as “tendentious” and “false,” emphasizing that Milatović is widely recognized as a key promoter of EU values both domestically and internationally. The president is committed to making Montenegro the 28th EU member by 2028 and is set to host the historic Western Balkans Summit in June this year.
The statement criticized the media outlet for perpetuating what it called a “spun narrative” about Milatović, particularly in light of recent comments from government officials suggesting he is a barrier to EU integration. The president’s office pointed out that such claims divert attention from critical issues, like the ongoing obstruction of constitutional judges by the parliamentary majority, which is essential for Montenegro’s EU accession process.
February 10, 2024, is a pivotal date for Montenegro, as the Parliament is expected to vote again on the nomination of Predrag Krstonijević for the Constitutional Court. The president’s office reiterated that there is no justification for delaying this appointment, a key requirement on the path to EU membership.
The statement also addressed the opposition party, DPS, expressing concern over their potential return to power by 2027. The president’s office highlighted that the DPS has not sufficiently distanced itself from past actions that have hindered Montenegro’s progress toward EU integration.
Next Steps: As the political landscape evolves, all eyes will be on the parliamentary vote on February 10. The outcome will significantly impact Montenegro’s EU aspirations and the broader stability of the region.
The president’s office concluded with a firm commitment to remain a driving force in the EU process, emphasizing that this will not come at the expense of core European values or the welfare of the Montenegrin people.
As the situation develops, the implications for Montenegro’s future in Europe continue to unfold, making this an urgent story to follow.
