President Jakov Milatovic has returned 27 laws to the Montenegrin parliament, a move that could significantly delay the country’s European Union accession process. The legislation, approved by the Assembly on March 11, 2024, is critical for advancing negotiations with the EU, as many of the bills are necessary for closing upcoming negotiation chapters.
The decision has drawn sharp criticism from various political figures, including Abaz Dizdarevic, a vice president and member of the Democratic Party of Socialists (DPS). He suggests that Milatovic’s actions reflect a personal vendetta stemming from the Assembly’s refusal to confirm his candidate, Predrag Krstonijevic, for a position on the Constitutional Court.
Milatovic announced his decision on the social media platform X, stating that the bills must be returned so that “members of parliament can genuinely read them.” He emphasized that European reforms require substantial discussion and cannot merely be a formality. “European reforms do not mean just fulfilling obligations; they require a serious and responsible approach to lawmaking,” Milatovic asserted, adding that citizens expect a thorough examination of laws that impact their daily lives. He is currently in the United States, where he made these comments.
Critics of the president’s decision argue that it represents a continuation of a troubling pattern. Dizdarevic noted that Milatovic’s frequent use of his constitutional powers appears to be more about personal promotion than about fostering political stability. “His refusal to sign these laws seems like revenge for the Assembly’s decision against his candidate,” he remarked.
Dizdarevic further contended that Milatovic’s actions do not reflect principled governance but rather serve as an obstructionist tactic. He stated, “This form of institutional inaction consciously sacrifices the momentum of European integration for personal promotion and party positioning.”
He expressed concern that such behavior could lead to Milatovic’s political isolation, stating, “These reactions stem from his vanity and nature, lacking any basis in reality.” He questioned whether Milatovic could have reviewed all 27 laws thoroughly in one night, given the need for a justification for their return.
Responses from the strongest opposition party echoed similar sentiments. During a meeting of the parliamentary presidency, which is chaired by Andrija Mandic, it was decided that only parliamentary clubs could comment on Milatovic’s decisions. However, some government officials have already voiced their opinions.
Following statements from ministers of European affairs and finance, Nik Đeljošaj, the Vice President of the Government and Minister of Economic Development, criticized Milatovic’s decision. He argued that this move represents “serious and intentional institutional obstruction of Montenegro’s European integration.”
Đeljošaj highlighted that the current year is crucial for the country’s EU path, noting that the obstruction of legislation at this juncture could delay the closing of at least three negotiation chapters, which were supposed to be finalized in March. He pointed out that the European Commission has indicated that this decision will affect the overall calendar of EU integration and delay it by at least 60 days.
Montenegro’s progress in closing these chapters is under threat, as the Commission has not publicly specified which chapters are impacted. However, formal adoption of legislation is a key prerequisite for further progress.
Further clarification on the implications of this situation is expected following the visit of Minister Gorčević to Cyprus, where discussions may shed light on how the current circumstances will influence ongoing negotiations with the EU.
Sources have indicated that the postponement of the legislation could jeopardize the upcoming EU-Western Balkans Summit scheduled for June in Tivat, underscoring the potential consequences of the president’s actions on Montenegro’s international standing and its aspirations for EU membership.
