UPDATE: Montenegro’s Presidential Cabinet has issued an urgent response to a controversial column claiming President Jakov Milatović is obstructing EU integration. The statement arrives just one day after the column was published, asserting that Milatović signed EU agenda laws under pressure from Brussels.
Officials emphasize that this narrative is misleading and damaging to Montenegro’s EU ambitions. They argue it undermines Milatović’s role as the “greatest promoter of EU values” in the country, positioning him as a key player in the upcoming EU-Western Balkans Summit scheduled for June 2023 in Montenegro.
The Cabinet criticizes the publication for propagating a “spun narrative” that paints Milatović as a hindrance to EU integration, especially amid ongoing discussions about the nation’s future within the EU. They reaffirm his commitment to making Montenegro the 28th EU member by 2028.
“Your claims are not only ironic but also brazen,” the statement reads, urging adherence to journalistic ethics. It highlights the importance of uniting pro-European forces to meet EU criteria, particularly concerning chapters 23 and 24, linked to recent political scandals in Montenegro.
A critical issue raised involves the ongoing obstruction of appointing judges to the Constitutional Court, a vital step for EU accession. The Cabinet warns that the parliamentary majority has been stalling this process, which is a significant requirement for progress on Montenegro’s European journey. They remind the public that a crucial parliamentary vote is set for February 10 regarding the appointment of judge Predrag Krstonijević, who is viewed as a qualified candidate with no valid reasons against his selection.
The statement also addresses the role of the opposition DPS party, which the Cabinet suggests has not distanced itself from past corruption scandals tied to its leadership. This lack of clarity raises concerns about the party’s potential return to power in the 2027 elections.
In closing, the Presidential Cabinet emphasizes that President Milatović will remain a central figure in advancing Montenegro’s EU process, underscoring that this commitment will not come at the expense of undermining essential European values or harming the citizens of Montenegro.
As the situation develops, all eyes will be on the upcoming parliamentary vote and how it may influence Montenegro’s EU integration efforts. Stay tuned for further updates as this story unfolds.
