UPDATE: Urgent tensions are escalating between Serbia and Montenegro as Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić warns that Montenegrin Assembly President Andrija Mandic could destabilize the current government at any moment. This alarming statement follows a heated exchange regarding the potential simultaneous EU accession of Western Balkan nations.
In a striking comment, Vučić responded to Montenegrin Prime Minister Milojko Spajić’s proposal for unified EU membership, saying, “First jump, then say ‘hop,'” implying that Mandic holds the power to disrupt administrative functions in Montenegro. This comment has been interpreted by analysts, including Davor Đenero, as a mafia-style threat that underscores the fragility of the regional political landscape.
The exchange comes ahead of critical meetings in Brussels with top EU officials, including Ursula von der Leyen and Antonio Costa. Vučić reiterated a long-standing proposal for the collective inclusion of the region into the EU, stating, “If someone is left out, what will you do with those countries?” He emphasized that the joint accession would not only benefit the region but also Europe as a whole.
Spajić quickly countered Vučić’s remarks on social media, affirming, “The entire Western Balkans should look to the EU as the final destination. However, we will be waiting for you there by 2028.” His response highlights Montenegro’s aspirations and the urgency of accelerating EU membership processes for all regional candidates.
Vučić’s retort to Spajić suggested that he was disappointed by the Montenegrin leader’s focus on other issues rather than EU integration. “I would have liked to hear Spajić’s reaction to more important matters,” he noted, alluding to various regional concerns. He described his proposal as “responsible and wise,” criticizing a self-centered approach to EU accession.
The Serbian president lamented the “unnecessary urgency” in Spajić’s reaction and maintained that he did not intend to suggest that the region should wait for one another to join the EU. “I want us all to be part of the EU, on time or even earlier,” Vučić declared.
Reactions have poured in from various political figures, with Spajić’s comments prompting responses from representatives of the governing coalition in Montenegro. Miodrag Laković of the Europe Now Movement assured that Serbia will negotiate with Montenegro as an EU member, while Ivan Vujović, a leader in the Social Democratic Party, criticized Vučić’s comments, calling them a reflection of Serbia’s antagonistic behavior towards Montenegro.
Analysts like Đenero have expressed disbelief at Vučić’s audacity, recalling past attempts to leverage Montenegro’s EU accession against Serbia’s own interests. He highlighted that Serbia’s slow progress in EU negotiations casts doubt on its stance.
The political landscape remains precariously balanced, with the future of Montenegro’s EU aspirations hanging in the balance. The upcoming parliamentary elections may yield a new administration, prompting concerns about how this could affect EU membership negotiations.
With Vučić’s comments resonating throughout the region, the stakes are high as both nations navigate their paths toward EU integration. The situation is developing rapidly, with potential implications for the political stability of the Balkans.
Next Steps: Observers are closely monitoring upcoming meetings in Brussels and the political climate in Montenegro as both countries grapple with their EU ambitions against a backdrop of rising tensions.
