The European Parliament adopted a report confirming Montenegro as a leading country of the Western Balkans on the path to the European Union. The report highlights progress in reforms but expresses concern over malign influence from third parties, including political revisionism and destabilizing campaigns. It emphasizes the need for stronger fight against corruption, independence of judiciary and media, and respect for the rights of national minorities. The report also calls for improved good neighborly relations and prosecution of war crimes. The debate involved representatives from various political groups who stressed the importance of Montenegro’s sovereignty and European perspective, while warning about toxic influences such as the ‘Serbian world’ and Greater Serbian politics.
Political Perspectives:
Left: Left-leaning perspectives emphasize the importance of democratic reforms, social justice, and the fight against corruption in Montenegro’s EU integration process. They highlight the need for inclusive policies respecting minority rights and criticize external malign influences that threaten regional stability.
Center: Centrist views focus on the pragmatic progress Montenegro has made towards EU accession, acknowledging challenges such as political polarization and the need for judicial independence. They stress the importance of good neighborly relations and adherence to European values as prerequisites for membership.
Right: Right-leaning narratives stress the sovereignty and independence of Montenegro, warning against the influence of the ‘Serbian world’ and Greater Serbian politics as obstacles to EU integration. They call for strong measures against political revisionism and emphasize the importance of addressing war crimes and compensations to victims.
