AGP Executive Report

EU Accession Pressure: Montenegro’s EU credibility is under the spotlight as enlargement commissioner Marta Kos warns Serbia over “glorification” of war criminal Ratko Mladić, while Montenegro is urged to keep reforms on track ahead of the EU’s late-September enlargement package. Parliamentary Fallout: Montenegro’s opposition is pushing to remove Speaker Andrija Mandić after he offered condolences for Mladić, with an extraordinary session set for Sept. 24. Education Watch: A global OECD/PISA report shows reading and maths falling to record lows, and Montenegro’s own EU-facing reform agenda is echoed by calls for stronger school rigour. Tourism With a Dark Past: Montenegro’s Mamula Island luxury hotel—now a 32-room resort—was once an Italian concentration camp during WWII, raising fresh questions about how history is packaged for visitors. Regional Mobility: Bosnia’s transport minister warns coordinated protests by carriers from the Western Balkans over Schengen driver rules must be solved at EU level. Business & Travel: A cruise promotion highlights Montenegro’s Bay of Kotor, while Eurocontrol reports record summer air traffic with Montenegro among the biggest growth spots.

EU Accession Politics: Montenegro’s parliament is set for an extraordinary session on Sept. 24 after opposition MPs moved to remove Speaker Andrija Mandić over condolences for convicted war criminal Ratko Mladić—an issue that could complicate Montenegro’s push to finish EU talks. EU Enlargement Timeline: Hungary’s EU enlargement commissioner Marta Kos says the Commission’s enlargement readiness report will be ready by late September for October Council discussions, while Montenegro is urged to keep Serbia on a European path. Education Shock: New OECD PISA 2025 results show record declines in reading and maths across wealthy countries, with low performance rising to one in five students—adding pressure on regional education reforms. Tourism & Travel: Eurocontrol reports record summer air traffic despite the Middle East war, with Montenegro among countries seeing higher flight volumes. Montenegro in the Spotlight: British Airways launched a new short-haul route from Heathrow to Tivat, feeding demand for the Bay of Kotor. Energy Cooperation: Japan signed its first emergency LNG deal with Malaysia’s Petronas and also agreed energy cooperation with Montenegro, including an LNG receiving terminal and gas-fired power plant. Transport Disruption Risk: Bosnia’s communications minister warns coordinated Western Balkan carrier protests on Sept. 14 over Schengen driver rules could affect EU border crossings.

Montenegro EU politics: Montenegro’s parliament is set for an extraordinary Sept. 24 session after opposition MPs filed a bid to remove Speaker Andrija Mandić over condolences he offered for convicted war criminal Ratko Mladić—an issue that could test the multi-ethnic government as EU talks continue. EU enlargement debate: Brussels is expected to publish a major enlargement document Sept. 30, with signals that Montenegro and Albania could finish negotiations soon, while critics warn the EU must not hide behind “quick wins.” Regional transport pressure: Bosnia’s communications minister says coordinated carrier protests on Sept. 14 over Schengen driver rules must be solved at EU level, not locally. Tourism and travel: Eurocontrol reports record summer air traffic across Europe, with Montenegro among countries seeing strong increases. Energy cooperation: Japan signed its first emergency LNG supply deal with Malaysia’s Petronas, and also signed an energy cooperation memo with Montenegro on an LNG terminal and gas-fired power. Education spotlight: Portugal’s PM admitted education quality and rigour have declined, citing worsening PISA results.

Montenegro Politics: Montenegro’s parliament will hold an extraordinary session on Sept. 24 on whether to remove Speaker Andrija Mandić after he offered condolences following the death of convicted war criminal Ratko Mladić—an issue that could strain the multi-ethnic government as EU accession talks continue. EU Enlargement: EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos says Serbia must be assessed on whether it is still sincere about its European path after the Mladić funeral with state honors, warning the bloc must confront the past and reconciliation. EU Candidacy Pressure: A separate EU hearing argues “gradual integration” can’t replace full EU membership, stressing merit-based enlargement and the need for fully functional institutions, with Montenegro and Albania highlighted. Travel & Tourism: British Airways has launched a new twice-weekly direct flight from Heathrow to Tivat, pitching Montenegro’s Bay of Kotor as a fast-growing cruise hotspot. Energy Cooperation: Japan signed its first emergency LNG supply deal with Malaysia’s Petronas and also signed a cooperation outline with Montenegro on LNG receiving and a gas-fired power plant. Culture & Film: The Ji.hlava New Visions Forum selected 28 documentary projects, including work from Montenegro, with themes ranging from contested histories to political memory. Safety & Borders: Montenegro’s Foreign Ministry warns of Sept. 14 blockades by carriers from Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, with Montenegro also expected to be affected. EU-Adjacent Tech: A fact-check on claims about “best” EU economic performance points to Eurostat GDP growth data, while an AI litigation case highlights new risks from ChatGPT use in court disputes.

Montenegro–EU Track: EU enlargement commissioner Marta Kos said Serbia must be assessed after Ratko Mladić’s state-honours funeral in Belgrade, stressing reconciliation, rule of law and strategic orientation as key tests. EU Enlargement Politics: At an EP hearing on Montenegro and Albania, speakers argued “gradual integration” can’t replace full EU membership and warned institutions must be fully functional, not just technically ready. Montenegro–Mongolia Business Push: Montenegro is moving from agreements to implementation with Mongolia, focusing on direct business links, tourism and better transport connectivity. Regional Security & Water: A new analysis frames water as the Balkans’ next geopolitical fault line, with transboundary river plans raising downstream risks and the need for shared governance. Culture in Montenegro: The 13th International Puppet Festival in Podgorica awarded Bulgaria’s Violetka Antonova an acting prize, highlighting regional theatre ties. Adriatic Screen Awards: “DJ Ahmet” leads nominations for the Adriatic Film and TV Awards, with winners to be announced in Porto Montenegro, Tivat. Travel & Tourism: British Airways launched a twice-weekly Heathrow–Tivat route, pitching Montenegro’s Bay of Kotor as a fast-growing cruise hotspot.

Montenegro–Mongolia Business Push: Montenegro is moving from signed agreements to practical cooperation with Mongolia, focusing on direct business links, tourism and better transport connectivity after talks with the Mongolian Parliament Speaker and Prime Minister, with a joint declaration calling for more regular parliamentary contacts. EU Enlargement Politics: EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos warned candidate countries to avoid building dependencies on US President Donald Trump’s MAGA movement, saying such ties could conflict with the EU’s long-term interests and citing “adversaries” influencing enlargement, including Russia. Rule-of-Law Reform Spotlight: Montenegro’s European Affairs Minister Maida Gorcevic told the Kyiv Independent that Montenegro can share best practices with Ukraine on rule-of-law reforms needed for EU membership, while stressing the process is “not easy” and often “not popular.” Adriatic Film & TV Awards: The Adriatic Film and TV Awards nominations are led by North Macedonia’s “DJ Ahmet” and “Yugo Florida,” with winners set to be announced Oct. 24 in Porto Montenegro, Tivat. Local Culture: A Bulgarian actress, Violetka Antonova, won an acting award at Podgorica’s International Puppet Festival for “Adventures with Karlsson,” highlighting Montenegro’s growing regional arts scene. Education Concern (Regional Relevance): New OECD PISA 2025 results show reading and maths declines to record lows, adding pressure on education systems across Europe, including Montenegro.

EU Accession Pressure: Montenegro’s European affairs minister Maida Gorčević says the country is ready for full membership, but EU enlargement credibility now hinges on elections in France, Spain, Italy and Poland that could slow ratification and “merit-based” decisions. MAGA Warning: Enlargement chief Marta Kos urged candidate states to cut ties with Donald Trump’s MAGA movement, warning against political dependencies that could pull future members away from Brussels. Rule-of-Law Support: Gorčević told the Kyiv Independent that Montenegro can share EU rule-of-law reform best practices with Ukraine as both navigate difficult membership processes. Montenegro–Mongolia Push: President Jakov Milatović’s state visit to Mongolia included talks and a business roundtable aimed at turning agreements into direct trade, tourism and better transport links. EU Candidate Politics at Home: Montenegro’s opposition moved to oust Parliament Speaker Andrija Mandic over his condolences after Ratko Mladić’s death, while prosecutors opened a case against a Serbian Orthodox metropolitan for praising Mladić. Education Alarm: OECD PISA 2025 results show reading and maths declines to record lows, adding fresh urgency to education reform across Europe.

EU Accession Equality Push: Montenegro’s EU affairs minister Maida Gorčević told Brussels journalists Podgorica wants full-fledged EU membership “as an equal,” rejecting ideas of delayed or limited rights for new members. EU Enlargement Pressure: Montenegro warned that next year’s elections across EU capitals could test the bloc’s credibility on enlargement. Mladic Fallout in Montenegro: Montenegro prosecutors opened a case against Serbian Orthodox Metropolitan Metodije of Budimlja and Nikšić over alleged incitement and glorification of Ratko Mladic during a sermon at Piva Monastery. Parliament Clash: Montenegro’s opposition moved to oust Parliament Speaker Andrija Mandic over his public condolences for Mladic’s death. Regional Fisheries Cooperation: The GFCM created a new Adriatic Sea technical unit in Split to strengthen science-based, sustainable fisheries management across Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Italy, Montenegro and Slovenia. Mongolia Visit Boosts Ties: President Jakov Milatović visited the Chinggis Khaan Museum and held a Mongolia–Montenegro business roundtable aimed at expanding trade and investment cooperation.

EU–Serbia Fallout: EU leaders condemned Serbia’s military-honours funeral for convicted war criminal Ratko Mladić, saying the ceremony shows a failure to confront the “dark past” and could undermine Serbia’s EU path. Diplomatic Retaliation in the Region: Bosnia and Herzegovina expelled two Serbian embassy officials in Sarajevo and suspended plans to sign a regional cooperation declaration tied to Montenegro, escalating the row over Mladić’s glorification. Montenegro Justice Watch: Montenegro prosecutors opened a case against Bishop Metodije after he praised Mladić during a religious service, with investigators citing incitement of national, racial and religious hatred. Montenegro–Mongolia Ties: President Jakov Milatović began a state visit to Mongolia, where both sides agreed to expand cooperation and sign a joint declaration marking 20 years of diplomatic relations. Education Spotlight: A new OECD PISA report shows global declines in reading, maths and science, with Montenegro listed among countries showing notable improvement between 2022 and 2025. Sports & Culture: Montenegro Film Rendezvous featured local producer Miljan Vučelić pitching a new project, while UEFA Nations League accreditation opened for Armenia–Montenegro matches.

Montenegro Diplomacy: President Jakov Milatović is in Mongolia for a state visit marking 20 years of ties, holding official talks with President Ukhnaa Khurelsukh and signing a joint declaration plus cooperation deals on trade, investment, education, science, culture, tourism and climate. EU Enlargement & Economy: The IMF says candidate countries must deliver major economic reforms to benefit from EU membership, with productivity at the center of expected gains. Education Watch: OECD’s PISA 2025 shows a sharp decline in 15-year-olds’ reading and maths across OECD countries, with one in five now low performers in all three core subjects. Regional Politics: Bosnia and Herzegovina expelled two Serbian diplomats and cut ties to the “lowest possible level” after Serbia’s glorification of convicted war criminal Ratko Mladić, while EU leaders condemned the funeral honours. Transport Pressure: Regional hauliers plan EU border blockades from 14 September over the Schengen stay limit for Western Balkan professional drivers.

Montenegro-EU path: Montenegro’s EU accession push is in the spotlight again, with EU ambassador Luigi Soreca saying the region’s ammunition production capacity is strongest in Serbia and Bosnia, while Montenegro is “moving closer to membership.” Media freedom & courts: SafeJournalists reports a rare quiet month in Montenegro’s database: no new attacks, threats or pressure recorded in August; it also highlights a Bijelo Polje misdemeanour court fine against Ski Resort Kolašin 1450 and its executive director over unlawful, offensive comments targeting Vijesti journalist Dragana Šćepanović. Regional politics: Bosnia’s foreign minister Elmedin Konaković announced Sarajevo will recall embassy staff from Belgrade and suspend bilateral meetings with Serbia, cutting communication to the “lowest possible level” after reactions tied to the death and funeral of convicted war criminal Ratko Mladić. Public safety: In Žabljak, police arrested a 33-year-old Belarusian driver for driving under the influence of multiple drugs, including methamphetamine, marijuana, benzodiazepines, amphetamine and cocaine. Sports (Montenegro link): Montenegrin midfielder Andrija Bulatović is set to stay at RC Lens despite interest from Saudi club Al-Ahli.

EU Accession & Crime Crackdown: Montenegro’s parliament adopted a Sept. 3 law that lets authorities confiscate assets worth at least €50,000 in ongoing organised-crime cases, aiming to speed up seizures as the country pushes toward EU membership. Media Freedom: SafeJournalists says Meta restrictions are disrupting media and public-interest accounts in Albania, including sudden access problems for Euronews Albania and Citizens.al. Investigative Safety Net: TUMM reports August brought no new incidents in its SafeJournalists database—the first calm month in nearly two years—while a court fined Ski Resort Kolašin and its director over unlawful comments targeting Vijesti journalist Dragana Šćepanović. Child Protection Online: UNICEF estimates about 20 million children aged 12–17 across 21 countries suffered tech-facilitated sexual exploitation or abuse in a year, with social media driving most cases. Regional Security Industry: An EU envoy says around 200 Balkan companies can produce NATO-standard ammunition, with Serbia and Bosnia leading capacity. Diplomacy: Montenegro President Jakov Milatović will visit Mongolia Sept. 8–10, marking 20 years of diplomatic ties. Sport (Montenegro-linked): Montenegro’s Sofia Montenegro lost on UFC Paris debut after a brutal bout; meanwhile, Montenegro hosted the European Junior Judo Championships where Azerbaijan and Ukraine won medals.

UFC Paris shock in the spotlight: French newcomer Delphine Benouaich dominated UFC debutant Sofia Montenegro in a blood-soaked strawweight opener, forcing a rear-naked choke finish and sending Montenegro to hospital for precautionary CT scans after the bout. Montenegro in international diplomacy: President Jakov Milatović will travel to Mongolia for a Sept. 8–10 state visit, marking 20 years of diplomatic ties and aiming to expand cooperation in trade, investment, education, culture, science and climate. Local culture and film: Q&A coverage spotlights Montenegrin producer/director Marija Perović, whose projects featured at Montenegro Film Rendezvous and whose co-production “Our Father” won major awards at the Herceg Novi festival. Child safety online: UNICEF reports 20 million children aged 12–17 across 21 countries have faced technology-facilitated sexual exploitation and abuse, including Montenegro in the surveyed set. Media freedom concern: SafeJournalists says Meta restrictions and account-access problems are hitting media and public-interest voices in Albania, including Euronews Albania and Citizens.al.

Montenegro-UFC Spotlight: Sofia Montenegro was rushed to a local hospital in Paris after a brutal UFC debut against Delphine Benouaich, with precautionary CT scans after deep cuts and a rear-naked choke finish. Diplomacy: President Jakov Milatović will make Montenegro’s first state visit to Mongolia (Sept. 8–10) to mark 20 years of diplomatic ties and discuss cooperation across trade, investment, tourism, education, science, and climate. EU Accession & Media Freedom: SafeJournalists Network says Meta has restricted or blocked access to multiple media and public-interest accounts in Albania, including Euronews Albania and Citizens.al, raising fresh concerns for Balkan digital rights. Sports (Local Connection): Montenegro’s presence in regional sport continues as Podgorica hosts the Junior European Judo Championships, where Ukrainian Danylo Kravchenko won gold in the -73kg category. Child Safety Online: UNICEF reports 1 in 5 children across 21 countries face tech-facilitated sexual exploitation and abuse, with Europe and Central Asia (including Montenegro) among the lowest at 8%.

UFC Paris: Dan Hooker lost to UFC debutant Salahdine Parnasse in the main event at Accor Arena, while the night’s other big talking point was Delphine Benouaich’s brutal strawweight debut—she battered Sofia Montenegro and finished with a rear-naked choke, leaving fans calling it “a crime scene” after a long stoppage. Local Sports Spotlight: Montenegro’s name still showed up in the Octagon, with Sofia Montenegro taking the loss in the prelim opener. Human Rights & Safety: UNICEF reports that 1 in 5 children across 21 countries face tech-facilitated sexual exploitation and abuse online, with Europe and Central Asia among the lower-rate regions (8%)—but Montenegro is included in the surveyed bloc. Regional Sports (Judo): Azerbaijan won more gold at the U21 European Judo Championships in Podgorica, Montenegro, with Suleyman Shukurov taking the 90kg title. Business/Transport: Portugal is pressing Air France-KLM and Lufthansa for improved offers in the TAP privatization race for up to 44.9%.

UFC Paris (Montenegro tie-in): Dan Hooker takes on UFC newcomer Salahdine Parnasse at Accor Arena today, with the full card and weigh-in results now out, including a bout featuring “Sofia Montenegro.” EU accession politics: Spain links Catalan language status to EU enlargement timing, raising fresh alarm in Montenegro as Brussels weighs enlargement steps. Montenegro business & courts: Montenegro’s Commercial Court blocked a takeover of Vijesti’s publisher, halting a major media ownership change. EU media influence in the Balkans: A report warns Hungary-style media capture is landing in Serbia ahead of elections, with implications for the wider region. Regional mobility: Kyrgyzstan and Montenegro discussed opening direct flights, aiming to boost travel links. Security & cooperation: Montenegro and UN representatives met to align cooperation priorities. Sports beyond the ring: EXIT’s Sea Dance in Montenegro drew large crowds, reinforcing the country’s festival pull.