The establishment of a commission in Croatia to address the succession of military property should not be viewed as surprising, according to retired Admiral Dragan Samardzic. He emphasized that this move is a logical institutional response to the complexities surrounding military asset succession that have unfolded over recent years.
Issues related to military property, including the Adriatic School Ship, have been legally intricate and politically sensitive. Samardzic stated that they require a serious and strategic approach rather than simplistic or ultimatum-driven messages. The composition of the commission, which includes key representatives from the foreign and defense ministries, signals that Croatia regards this matter as a combination of international law, security policy, and European context.
This initiative indicates that these disputes will be addressed in a long-term and institutional manner. Samardzic noted that they could have implications during the final stages of negotiations between Montenegro and the European Union, particularly concerning Chapter 31 on foreign affairs and Chapter 23 focused on judiciary and fundamental rights.
The core issue is not the bilateral disputes themselves, as other candidate countries face similar challenges, but rather the methods employed to resolve them. The EU is keen to avoid “importing” open questions among member states. Thus, these cases serve as a test of the political maturity of candidate countries.
For Montenegro, it is crucial to return to a dialogue rooted in international law and consistent state conduct. Further escalation would weaken its negotiating position in the European integration process. Samardzic urged Montenegro to engage recognized experts in international law to critically analyze the Agreement on Succession Issues from the former Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (SFRY) and assess the legal standing regarding military asset succession.
He criticized the previous reliance on partial interpretations and insufficiently supported arguments, stating that this approach has proven politically risky and costly, undermining Montenegro’s negotiation position. Only a serious, expert, and depoliticized legal analysis can provide a foundation for responsible and sustainable solutions to these issues.
In conclusion, Samardzic reiterated his previous assertion that the Adriatic School Ship should serve as a unifying symbol rather than a divisive one, representing shared maritime heritage. He called for diplomatic efforts to focus on finding optimal models for its joint use, asserting that solutions based on agreement will benefit all parties involved, including the ship itself.
