Sunday, June 7Sunday, June 7EU and Western Balkans leaders gather in Tivat on Friday for a high-stakes summit focused on enlargement, economic integration and regional security, as Montenegro’s President Milo Đukanović hosts counterparts from the bloc and the EU’s top officials. The two-day meeting in the Adriatic resort town comes amid escalating diplomatic tensions and security warnings that have cast a shadow over Serbia’s participation.
Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić has defied warnings from his own security services and EU counterparts, confirming he will attend despite what Belgrade’s BIA intelligence agency called a “high security risk” linked to organised crime networks and recent bilateral clashes with Montenegro. The agency cited “credible threats” against Vučić’s delegation, while Montenegro’s government confirmed it had denied entry to 87 Serbian passengers who arrived on a chartered flight from Belgrade ahead of the summit . Border checks between the two countries have been tightened, with Montenegro’s Interior Ministry citing “heightened vigilance” at all entry points .
Montenegro’s President Nikšić Dan is expected to use the summit to highlight his country’s progress toward EU accession, with Brussels officials signalling that Podgorica could join the bloc as early as 2028 if reforms continue. The agenda includes progress on gradual integration, economic cooperation and security coordination, with EU High Representative Josep Borrell and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen among the attendees .
Security concerns extend beyond bilateral tensions. EU officials have privately expressed alarm at the influence of organised crime syndicates across the Western Balkans, which they say could undermine enlargement efforts. “This is not just about politics—it’s about the rule of law,” said one senior EU diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity. “If we can’t guarantee safe passage for leaders, how can we guarantee safe markets or secure borders?”
The summit also takes place against a backdrop of geopolitical competition, with the United States and European Union jockeying for influence in Bosnia and Herzegovina, where tensions are rising over the appointment of a new High Representative to oversee the Dayton Peace Agreement . Analysts warn that unresolved disputes in the region could derail the enlargement process, which Brussels views as a strategic priority to counter Russian and Chinese influence.
As leaders arrive in Tivat, the summit’s success may hinge on whether Vučić’s presence overshadows the broader agenda—or whether the gathering can deliver tangible progress on the path to EU membership for the Western Balkans.
Aleksandar Vucic a fost avertizat de agenția de securitate a Serbiei să nu meargă la summitul UE din Muntenegru. Motivele invocate Agenția de securitate a Serbiei l-a avertizat pe președintele Aleksandar Vucic să nu se deplaseze vineri în Muntenegru pentru un summit cu liderii Uniunii Europene și ai țărilor balcanice, invocând amenințări la adresa securității pe fondul unui schimb de replici diplomatice între cele două țări, relatează Reuters.
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