The recent political developments in Montenegro have provoked a deep institutional crisis, undermined the functionality of the country’s democratic institutions, and contributed to a slowdown of its accession negotiations. The latest amendments to the law on the prerogatives of the President contradict the opinion of the Venice Commission. The repeated failure to appoint members of the Constitutional Court illustrates the inability to build consensus on reforms.
To progress on EU accession, which is the wish of an overwhelming majority of Montenegro’s citizens, all political actors must support the stability and functionality of democratic institutions, in particular the Constitutional Court, exercise restraint, and avoid further incidents.
The ensuing political situation resulting from latest actions might put into question the stability of institutions.
These concerns by the European Union have also been expressed to the authorities of Montenegro through established diplomatic channels.