This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks The action you just performed triggered the security solution There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page This will be Nina's second time taking part Montenegro are back in Eurovision ready to show they have what it takes to become champions Montenegro will perform second during the second semi-final on Thursday 15th May kick-starting at 8pm on BBC One and iPlayer for those in the UK Nina will be hoping to rise to the top of the leaderboard having once performed at the song contest before While the odds may not be in their favour Nina could be Montenegro's ticket to winning scroll on to learn more about the Eurovision act Instagram: @ninazizicofficial TikTok: @nina_zizic Nina Žižić is a singer and songwriter and is no stranger to the Eurovision Song Contest She first began her career in 2004 with the group Negre before embarking on a solo career the country came in 12th place with 41 points the Montenegrin contest to take part in Eurovision However, Neonoen withdrew after having previously performed their entry in 2023 and Nina was chosen as representative instead Nina Žižić was born in Nikšić in Montenegro Speaking of taking part in the contest, Nina told RTG [translated]: \"Eurovision is much more than a festival The very diversity of genres and performers from year to year shows how much diversity can be expressed through a song.\" Nina Žižić will be representing Montenegro with the the song Dobrodošli You can watch the music video for it below Montenegro last participated in Eurovision in 2022 having dropped out of the contest over the last two years The country has participated in the contest 12 times since 2007 - could 2025 finally be their win The Eurovision Song Contest 2025 final will take place on Saturday 17th May 2025 You can also check out the full list of Eurovision winners and how many times the UK has won Eurovision Meet Montenegro Eurovision 2025 entryThis will be Nina's second time taking part While the odds may not be in their favour Nina could be Montenegro's ticket to winning Nina Žižić. Joe Maher/Getty ImagesInstagram: @ninazizicofficial TikTok: @nina_zizic However, Neonoen withdrew after having previously performed their entry in 2023 Speaking of taking part in the contest, Nina told RTG [translated]: "Eurovision is much more than a festival The very diversity of genres and performers from year to year shows how much diversity can be expressed through a song." You can also check out the full list of Eurovision winners and how many times the UK has won Eurovision Katelyn MensahSenior Entertainment WriterKatelyn Mensah is the Senior Entertainment Writer for Radio Times covering all major entertainment programmes reality TV shows and the latest hard-hitting documentaries with a focus on reality TV and showbiz news and has obtained a BA (Hons) in Journalism you are agreeing to site title privacy policy This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Subscribe to RT!Subscribe to Radio Times magazine and get £10 issues for £10! Could your home unlock your dreams?Releasing equity from your home could help give you the retirement you've been dreaming of? Holiday brochuresNeed inspiration of where to go next Request a free brochure and start your journey Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article In a referendum held on May 21, 2006, 55.5 percent of Montenegrins (just over the necessary threshold of 55 percent) voted to end the federation of Serbia and Montenegro which was recognized by the Serbian parliament two days later The principal feature of the first years of independence was the economic boom of 2006–08 with growth rates exceeding 6 percent each year by a contraction of roughly the same percentage in 2009 real estate sales (to Russians in particular) and direct foreign investment—factors that had been partly responsible for the boom—accounted for the economic retreat and reduce both the current-account and state budget deficits opposition parties claimed fraud and initially refused to recognize the result and the European Commission concluded that Montenegro had made considerable progress toward EU membership and police dispersed the protest camp that had been established The threat of violence marred parliamentary elections on October 16 including the former commander of Serbia’s special forces unit were arrested by Montenegrin police for suspected terror offenses The election had been widely seen as a choice between closer ties with the EU or Russia and the pro-Western Ðjukanović decried the plot as an attempt by Russia to influence the election This proved to be a massive understatement as Montenegrin authorities and Western intelligence agencies later revealed that the foiled operation was nothing less than an attempted coup that was to have included the assassination of Ðjukanović PODGORICA (Montenegro), May 5 (SeeNews) - Montenegrin explosives producer Poliex [MNG:POEX] said its net profit soared to 4.3 million euro ($4.9 million) last year from 1.6 million euro the year before thanks to higher revenue. Net sales revenue jumped to 12.7 million euro in 2024 from 7.1 million euro in 2023, while other operating revenue also increased - to 134,000 euro from 7,000 euro, Poliex said in a filing with the Montenegro Stock Exchange last week. Operating costs went up to 6.1 million euro in 2024 from 4.2 million euro a year earlier, whereas employee costs rose to 1.8 million euro from 1.2 million euro. The operating profit thus rose to 5.5 million euro from 1.6 million euro in the period under review. Poliex' shares last traded on April 28, closing 20% higher at 0.432 euro. Local businessman Slavko Vujisic owns 82.9% of Poliex, with the remainder held by a number of minority shareholders, bourse data showed. For two days, the medieval ramparts of Budva, Montenegro, became a nerve center of global Jewish life. One hundred Shluchim—serving as the Jewish infrastructure across 40 countries in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East—gathered to reinforce one another and map the next phase of Jewish life. For two days, the medieval ramparts of Budva, Montenegro, became a nerve center of global Jewish life. One hundred Shluchim—serving as the Jewish infrastructure across 40 countries in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East—gathered to reinforce one another and map the next phase of Jewish life in a post–Oct. 7 world. High on the agenda: the influx of Israeli expats and the renaissance of Jewish life now unfolding in regions many once thought dormant. Representing over a third of the countries served by the world’s largest Jewish organization, the Kinus brought together Shluchim from communities large and small to tackle the rising challenges of this new reality. The tone was both strategic and deeply personal. Much of the discussion centered on the massive influx of Israelis who have relocated abroad since the war—over 80,000 to date—and how to ensure that those arriving in unfamiliar countries are embraced, not lost. “The Shluchim are the Jewish people’s global support system and first-response network,” said Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky, director of the International Conference of Shluchim and Merkos L’Inyonei Chinuch’s efforts to drive Chabad’s global growth and expansion. “When Israelis arrive in Accra, Reykjavik or Dubai, the local Shliach is often the only familiar address they know. This Kinus sharpened our strategy to fulfill the Rebbe’s vision: that every Jew should have a home wherever they may be.” This year’s Kinus was also marked by emotion. It was the first since the passing of Rabbi Moshe Kotlarsky, who had been entrusted by the Rebbe to expand global Shlichus and personally facilitated these regional summits. Last year’s Kinus in Krakow was his final project. This year, it was dedicated to his memory.  Shluchim shared personal reflections on how Rabbi Kotlarsky had invested in their communities, guided their growth, and in many cases, made their Shlichus possible. There were also emotional moments of spiritual celebration. Rabbi Baruch Myers from Bratislava completed a Siyum HaShas in memory of his mother. Rabbi Mendy Chitrik—alongside the Alliance of Rabbis in Muslim Countries—presented a new Sefer Torah dedicated in memory of Rabbi Kotlarsky. The scroll will be used to service Jewish communities in Muslim countries that don’t yet have permanent Torahs of their own. It was a living testament to Rabbi Kotlarsky’s legacy: dedication to the Rebbe’s vision of building where others hadn’t dared. Hosted by Montegro Shluchim, Rabbi Ari and Chani Edelkopf, and Rabbi Leizer and Mushky Ehrenfeld, the two-day regional Kinus HaShluchim opened with a groundbreaking for Montenegro’s first mikvah and a moving Yom HaZikaron memorial in Budva’s medieval citadel. “For two days, our quiet streets became an incubator for Jewish continuity,” Rabbi Edelkopf said. “We were honored that Rabbi Kotlarsky and the organizing Shluchim chose Montenegro to recharge and plot the next wave of growth.” The memorial and the entire summit were masterfully coordinated by Rabbi Shneur Najar, the Merkos 302 Office, and the Vaad HaShluchim. The iconic “Tshuva Brov Yo’etz” think tank session allowed Shluchim to share challenges facing themselves and their communities and brainstorm solutions. Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky led this session as he filled the role of his father, Rabbi Moshe Kotlarsky OBM, beloved Chairman of the International Shluchim Conference. Throughout the gathering, Shluchim held late-night farbrengens, engaged in fruitful strategizing sessions, shared resources, mapped regional collaboration, and reaffirmed their shared mission. In many of these countries, new Chabad Houses and mikvaot are either under construction or recently completed. The scale of growth reflected a movement not only sustaining Jewish life—but expanding it.  Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked * Notify me via e-mail if anyone answers my comment. Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); DestinationsPlanningInspirationShopSearch SavesOpen main menuEuropeMontenegroShop Bursting at the seams with majestic mountains, breathtaking beaches and larger-than-life locals, Montenegro proves that good things do indeed come in small packages. Montenegro Back to topAttractionsMust-see attractionsTara Canyon Slicing through the mountains at the northern edge of the national park the Tara River forms a canyon that is 1300m deep at its peak (the Grand Canyon… St Tryphon’s Cathedral this Catholic cathedral was consecrated in 1166 but reconstructed after several earthquakes Kotor City Walls Kotor's fortifications started to head up St John's Hill in the 9th century and by the 14th century a protective loop was completed Old Town The ancient walled town overlooking Mala Plaža is largely residential and somewhat dilapidated Stari Grad Budva's best feature and star attraction is the Stari Grad (Old Town) – a mini-Dubrovnik with marbled streets and Venetian walls rising from the clear… Gospa od Škrpjela This picturesque island was artificially created (on 22 July 1452 to be precise) around a rock where an image of the Madonna was found; every year on… Black Lake Eighteen glittering glacial lakes known as gorske oči (mountain eyes) dot the Durmitor range Šetalište Pet Danica Named after five young women named Danica who died during WWII this pedestrian promenade stretches along the waterfront for more than 5km from Igalo to… View more attractionsPlanning ToolsExpert guidance to help you plan your tripBest Things to Do Montenegro may be small, but it is packed with everything a traveler could want. Here are the top things to do, from beach days to national park hikes. At the heart of the Balkans, Montenegro is a small country with big scenery. From Cetinje to the scenic Bay of Kotor, here are the best places to visit. Montenegro is a place for summer beach days, spring and fall hiking and winter skiing. Here are the best times to visit to get the best from Montenegro. ArticlesLatest stories from MontenegroRead more articlesFilter by interest: Coasts & IslandsFood & Drink All Interests Adventure Travel Art & Culture Beaches Coasts & Islands Food & DrinkFestivals & Events Montenegro is a place for summer beach days Here are the best times to visit to get the best from Montenegro Read more articlesBuild a memorable collectionGet to the heart of Montenegro with one of our in-depth Visit in ShopMontenegro $26.99 Go to checkout (0 items)in partnership with getyourguide Beyond MontenegroFor Explorers Everywhere No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission Home » Kership starts the construction of two OPVs for Montenegro Montenegrin MoD press release – Translated by Naval News In the presence of the Minister of Defense Dragan Krapović representative of the French Procurement Agency (DGA) the beginning of the construction of two new patrol ships for the Navy of the armed forced of Montenegro was marked today at the French shipyard KERSHIP in Lorient which officially began with the signing of an intergovernmental agreement between Montenegro and the Republic of France as well as a commercial contract for the procurement of two patrol ships with the shipyard KERSHIP the Navy of the armed forced of Montenegro further strengthens its ability to protect territorial waters participate in international missions and respond to security challenges at sea Minister Krapović expressed his belief that the construction of the ships will be successfully completed and that it will give a new dimension to the otherwise excellent defense cooperation between Montenegro and France “Our decision to cooperate with France a country with one of the most developed defense systems and one of the strongest military industries in Europe in this project is part of a partnership with one of the most important strategic allies since Montenegro became a Euro-Atlantic member” He added that today is a significant day for the Navy of Montenegro which will significantly increase its capacities and capabilities with the new ships both for national needs and for the obligations it has undertaken as a NATO member The ships are designed for a wide range of tasks including surveillance of territorial waters the fight against smuggling and illegal migration as well as for participation in international missions within NATO The Ministry of Defense remains committed to the development of modern and operationally capable forces in accordance with national interests and obligations within the NATO alliance The ceremony was also addressed by Anne Marie Maskay by the Commander of the Navy of Montenegro and the Acting General Director of the Logistics Directorate Montenegro signed a contract for the acquisition of two OPV 60M Offshore Patrol Vessels built by the French shipyard Kership at Euronaval 2024 the OPV 60 is KERSHIP’s answer to law enforcement operations at sea with increased flexibility and benefiting from KERSHIP’s expertise in shipbuilding and system integration the OPV 60 is the ideal compact solution to ensure surveillance in coastal and EEZ waters with true combat capabilities with military capabilities that enable it to cover the full spectrum of law enforcement at sea missions and contribute to territorial maritime defense Naval News brings you news coverage of the latest naval defense shows & events We are also reporting on naval technology from all over the world Today marks an important milestone for ECDC’s cooperation with countries under EU’s Enlargement policy on 28 April 2025 ECDC formalised its cooperation through the signing of Memoranda of Understanding with Albania During a ceremony held at ECDC’s premises in Stockholm the countries’ signatories gathered alongside ECDC Director Pamela Rendi-Wagner to sign the Memoranda of Understanding The visit also involved discussions with National ECDC Correspondents regarding the new EU Health Security framework and the future outlook for ECDC’s cooperation with EU candidate and potential candidate countries under ECDC’s amended mandate Other countries under EU’s Enlargement policy are expected to sign MoUs with ECDC in the future with financial support from the European Commission under the Instrument of Pre-accession Assistance (IPA) has been working to strengthen the capacities of Western Balkans and Türkiye for their future participation in ECDC networks and activities This has allowed the national public health authorities of these countries to participate as observers in multiple mutually agreed ECDC networks meetings and technical discussions on communicable disease surveillance and control advancing One Health responses against AMR The Memoranda of Understanding will allow for continued collaboration between ECDC and EU Enlargement countries ensuring the sustainability of mutually beneficial exchange of information on cross-border threats from infectious diseases countries’ participation in ECDC networks as observers and the sharing of best practices with EU Member States The Memoranda of Understanding also serve as a prerequisite for specific agreements required for the transfer of personal data including through access to ECDC surveillance platforms *This designation is without prejudice to positions on status and is in line with UNSCR 1244/1999 and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo declaration of independence.  Montenegro is an under-the-radar gem with affordable housing Portugal’s prime minister and opposition leader canceled a televised election debate scheduled for Monday due to a massive electricity blackout across the country Prime Minister Luís Montenegro of the center-right Social Democratic Party and Pedro Nuno Santos of the main opposition center-left Socialist Party were supposed to face off Monday night But with most of the country without power, both leaders agreed to postpone their debate to a later date, Portuguese news agency Lusa reported Monday’s monster outage saw the entire Iberian Peninsula lose power and phone and internet traffic was disrupted The cause of the blackout was a “very strong oscillation in the electrical network,” Spain’s transmission system operator Red Eléctrica said Monday afternoon Portugal’s next election will take place on May 18. The snap vote was called after the center-right minority government, led by Montenegro, lost a vote of confidence last month Meanwhile, the European Union’s Justice Commissioner Michael McGrath said on social media on Monday he would cancel an upcoming trip to Madrid due to the outage The nationalist chief vociferously supports Donald Trump and Giorgia Meloni — and he leads the presidential race ahead of May 18’s critical second round “I urge both sides to show restraint,” the bloc’s foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas says after discussions with senior New Delhi and Islamabad officials Northern and Western Europe are the best places in the world to be a journalist The presidential election day is almost upon us decided that Nina Žižić is the one who will make them proud in Basel at Eurovision 2025 this May She’s no beginner—she’s a former Eurovision artist returning to compete with her powerful ballad Montenegro has never won Eurovision before so Nina is ready to seize this opportunity in 2025 joyfully posting candid pictures with her significant other Her feed is filled with stunning trip photos showcasing cool destinations and unforgettable experiences with her followers they competed in Montenegro’s national selection for Eurovision Nina left the group to pursue a solo career Another thing we’ve learned from Nina’s Instagram is that she’s definitely a dog person She even has highlights dedicated to her two puppies Nina is deeply in love with nature and the outdoors This passion is evident through her numerous photos surrounded by trees She even has a dedicated Instagram highlight filled with stunning nature sceneries showcasing her admiration for the natural world Nina competed alongside the hip-hop duo Who See Their song “Igranka” has become a Eurovision classic enjoying great success among Eurovision fans even if it failed to qualify for the grand final Besides being a Eurovision fan herself and wishing to return—a wish that seems to be coming true this year—Nina has remained closely connected to Montenegro’s Eurovision scene even after her previous participation she was part of the internal jury that selected Montenegro’s 2022 Eurovision representative the country was represented by Vladana with the song “Breathe.” Unfortunately Among the singles and EPs Nina has released We’re talking about “Kiss You Goodbye,” which was featured in the 2016 Azerbaijani film Too Many Coincidences supporting the campaign “Every Child Needs A Family” This campaign aimed to promote fostering for children who are unable to live with their biological parents advocating for a loving and supportive environment for every child in need Another thing you’ll occasionally spot on Nina’s Instagram is cooking From creating ingenious healthy dishes to enjoying cozy family pancake nights it’s clear that Nina has a passion for cooking Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value" Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value" There is no way that semi 2 has 10 acts that are better than her I just read on Wikipedia that Björkman decided the running order yet again Your whole damn organization really has nobody else who can be the jerk to give Montenegro spot nr 2 They will also decide running order for final (so we know who won’t be number 2) This is an ongoing issue for fans which no-one seems to want to resolve Overview Meet the team Press Write for us Input your search keywords and press Enter Portugal’s Prime Minister Luis Montenegro said he expects power to be restored “in the next few hours,” pointing out that the blackout affecting mainland Portugal did not originate in Portugal “We expect the entire electricity production system in Portugal can be activated from the Castelo de Bode power station and Tapada do Outeiro and that in the next few hours the Portuguese can see their power restored,” Luís Montenegro told reporters leaving a meeting of the Council of Ministers at the Prime Minister’s official residence in Lisbon More: Large parts of Spain, Portugal hit by massive power outage Monday: What we know Montenegro said he was stepping away from the Council of Ministers meeting for a little while to go to the operations center of Portuguese grid operator REN - Redes Energéticas Nacionais “to try to gather even more information” about the blackout which has affected much of the Portuguese people’s daily lives We know that it didn’t originate in Portugal,” said the Prime Minister adding that he has been monitoring the situation “with all the national and international authorities.” Montenegro said the blackout “was completely unexpected and unforeseen.” Spain and Portugal were hit by a widespread power outage on Monday The outage caused chaos as traffic lights stopped working and people were trapped in the metro and in elevators REN has said a rare atmospheric phenomenon in Spain due to extreme temperature variations in the country’s interior caused the power outages across the Iberian Peninsula Best in Travel is here! Discover 2025’s destinations The 30 best countries, cities and regions to visit in 2025 Plan your trip with Elsewhere, by Lonely Planet See where a Lonely Planet Membership takes you Subscribe to our weekly newsletters to get the latest travel news, expert advice, and insider recommendations Explore the world with our detailed, insightful guidebooks Stay ahead of the curve with our guidebooks Uncover exciting new ways to explore iconic destinations Every month, we release new books into the wild Search Search Close search menu Explore Best in Travel 2024 Africa Close menu Countries Antarctica Antarctica Close menu Regions Asia Asia Close menu Countries Australia & the Pacific Australia & the Pacific Close menu Countries The Caribbean The Caribbean Close menu Countries Central America Central America Close menu Countries Europe Europe Close menu Countries Middle East Middle East Close menu Countries North America North America Close menu Countries South America South America Close menu Countries The best places to visit in Montenegro span historic walled towns mountain viewpoints and hubs of Montenegrin culture Nestled at the heart of the Balkans, Montenegro is a small country with big scenery you’ll find something to appreciate in this land of dramatic coves and mountains.  From ancient walled cities and rugged peaks to breathtaking coastal vistas, this charming destination packs a lot of punch into a compact area. Some people focus on the beaches of the Adriatic Coast and the famously picturesque Bay of Kotor – for others it’s all about hiking trails and adventures in the rocky hills.   Montenegro’s stunning national parks are best explored by car allowing you to soak in the diverse landscapes at your own pace the country’s historic towns are easy to navigate on foot or by public transport though the streets are often steep and cobbled.  we’ve rounded up the best places to visit in Montenegro to help you narrow down your travel itinerary UNESCO World Heritage-listed Durmitor National Park is a dramatic sprawl of ruggedly good-looking mountains following a lush green corridor stretching east along the Tara River Within its 390 sq km (150 sq miles) are atmospheric old-growth forests a medieval monastery and a famously photogenic bridge a rafting expedition on the green waters of the Tara River is the best way to experience the deep and dramatic Tara River Canyon set in a deep cleft between forested slopes It's more of a scenic drift than a white-knuckle ride but there are rapids to add to the thrills For an easy and satisfying introduction to Durmitor’s lush landscapes, take a 3.6km (2.2-mile) hike around Black Lake the largest of the 18 glacial lakes within the national park. They're known locally as gorske oči meaning “mountain eyes.” Black Lake is just a 30-minute walk from Žabljak or you can park near the national park entrance and stroll the last 800m (0.5 miles) Planning Tip: The best hub for exploring Durmitor is the town of Žabljak; it’s possible to walk or cycle from here to some hiking trailheads but a rental car will give you more options Wedged between moody mountains and dramatic vistas of the Bay of Kotor, Kotor is a medieval maze of cobbled lanes It's also a perfect hub for exploring the rest of the Bay of Kotor Don’t miss the chance to goggle at sweeping views of the Bay of Kotor from the waterfront at Dobrota, or take in elevated views from the battlements of Kotor’s ancient, sprawling fortifications or from the slopes of nearby Mt Lovćen – accessible on foot The Bay of Kotor is known locally as the “Boka Kotorska” (or simply “the Boka”) and it’s one of the world’s most breathtaking natural bays you’ll quickly realize that this isn’t one homogenous body of water but a series of interlocking inlets Opening onto the Adriatic, the outer section of the bay curves around the Luštica Peninsula past Hercog Novi and Tivat and then narrows along the Verige Channel before broadening again to form the inner bay The outer bay is gorgeous, but the inner bay, bookended by the Orjen and Lovćen massifs Detour: With its compact Stari Grad (Old Town) and long waterfront promenade, the town of Herceg Novi (pronounced “her-tseg noh-vee”) is a great hub for exploring the outer bay restaurants and sunbathing platforms buzzing with holidaymakers A 10-minute drive south of the town of Budva, the fortified island village of Sveti Stefan is like something from a fairy tale its photogenic jumble of terracotta roofs is framed by turquoise waters anchored to a pink-hued beach by a narrow causeway.  Make the most of the views from afar – the island village was nationalized in the 1950s and is now part of the luxurious Aman Sveti Stefan resort meaning its atmospheric lanes are off-limits to all but paying guests.  the resort was closed pending the results of a dispute between the owners and local authorities visitors should be able to use its previously private beaches for free Budva is a place where history and beach culture collide This photogenic walled town has ancient provenance and it’s anchored at one end by a long sweep of beach that’s jam-packed with sun-loving holidaymakers in summer.  There’s rich history here, too. Enclosed by Venetian walls, Budva's appealing old town spills down to the sand, dominated by the belltower of St John the Baptist’s Church and the Citadela fort which offers lovely waterfront views and maritime exhibits.  On the sloping northern edge of Budva, the fresco-filled Podmaine Monastery is linked via a 2km (1.2-mile) walking trail to the similarly historic Podostrog Monastery once a residence for Montenegro’s vladikas (prince-bishops) Planning tip: Most things to see and do in Budva are within walking distance of the beaches and old town, so it’s easy to explore on foot. For views back toward Budva, take a boat trip to the island of Sveti Nikola – a beach-edged greenery-capped wedge of rock out in the bay.  Best for exploring unspoiled fishing communities The best way to see the mountainous Luštica Peninsula which divides the outer bay from the Adriatic the konobe (taverns) and pekare (bakeries) scattered along the Luštica coastline are delightful places to stop while you explore charming fishing villages and take in breathtaking island views It takes around 40 minutes to drive from Kotor via the road tunnel to the village of Rose (pronounced “roh-seh”) a pretty stand of stone houses at the very tip of the peninsula gazing at Herceg Novi across the sparkling waters of the bay There’s no better way to experience Lake Skadar – the largest lake in the Balkan Peninsula – than from a boat or kayak or join a boat tour to visit ancient monasteries and ruined fortresses.  Whichever trip you choose, the scenery is guaranteed to be gorgeous. The busy summer season offers the largest choice of boat trips. It’s easy to arrange a tour or hire a kayak from stalls in the lakeside towns of Virpazar, Vranjina or Rijeka Crnojevića.  Planning tip: For a trip with cultural appeal, boats can be arranged from the beach at Murići to visit a cluster of picturesque island monasteries once famous for producing religious scripts. The closest is Beška Monastery home to a welcoming community of nuns who revived the retreat in the early 2000s after 300 years of abandonment.  Cetinje (pronounced “tse-tee-njeh”) sits in an idyllic green basin created by the hulking Lovćen massif the mountain’s craggy peaks are visible on every horizon.  Planning tip: Cetinje is easily traversed on foot and its main street is blissfully car-free It only takes five minutes to walk from the bus station to the center of town; if you’re driving there’s a large car park beside the tourist information point just below the palaces.  There’s something powerfully moving about Ostrog Monastery founded in 1665 within two large caves set into a towering cliff face This ancient religious center looms over the verdant Zeta Valley and it’s visible for miles around.  Ostrog is an hour’s drive northwest of Podgorica The gleaming white Upper Monastery feels like it has grown out of the living rock Start your explorations at the Lower Monastery and stop to admire the vivid frescoes inside the Holy Trinity Church The fabric-wrapped remains of St Basil of Ostrog the Serbian Orthodox bishop from Hercegovina who founded the monastery are kept in a tiny chapel within the Upper Monastery.  All of Montenegro’s walled coastal towns are spellbinding, but Ulcinj has a special magic its Stari Grad is still largely residential and even a little dilapidated a legacy of the earthquake that hit the town in 1979 With its uneven cobblestones and sketchy street lighting The minarets of a series of historic mosques punctuate the skyline family-orientated beach town – a holiday destination that knows how to have an uncomplicatedly good time Planning tip: Several small beaches are scattered along the town waterfront but the best sands at Ulcinj can be found at true-to-its-name Long Beach and the nudist beach of Ada Bojana Once a rich and powerful Venetian maritime hub – churning out ships and sea captains in quantities completely disproportionate to its diminutive size – petite Perast is today content to just be gorgeous to the eye.  the town drops steeply down from the highway to a narrow waterfront road The venerable buildings along its length once dipped their feet directly in the water and there’s a small beach to enjoy at the western end of town Despite having just one main street, this small town boasts 16 churches and 17 once-grand palazzi (mansions). Start exploring the town’s rich Venetian heritage at the Renaissance-baroque Bujović Palace (today housing the Perast Museum) and St Nicholas’ Church the town’s most imposing religious building Planning tip: For stunning Perast views from the water, arrange a boat trip to visit the manmade island of Gospa od Škrpjela occupied by the Church of Our Lady of the Rock marking the site where an icon of the Madonna and Child was mysteriously discovered in 1452.  A 10-minute drive southwest from Cetinje will bring you to the entrance to Lovćen National Park a 62-sq-km (24-sq-mi) expanse of rocky countryside taking in the peak of Mt Lovćen and tracts of forest crisscrossed by hiking paths and mountain-biking trails.  Keep an eye out for wildlife while you explore 85 species of butterflies and 200 species of birds including golden eagles and peregrine falcons.  Planning tip: The park’s main hub is Ivanova Korita with a scattering of restaurants and guesthouses This is the beginning of the popular Wolf Trail walking route A rental car is the best way to reach and explore the national park.  This article was adapted from Lonely Planet’s Montenegro guidebook, published in May 2024. Eco-team join forces to map ideal renewable energy sites for people and planet To accelerate its shift to renewable energy and expedite the decarbonization of the energy sector Montenegro has announced the launch of the Montenegro Energy Growth and Acceleration (MEGA) national study The initiative aims to identify sites with significant energy potential that also pose minimal ecological and social conflicts for developing solar and wind power plants which helps pinpoint areas suitable for solar and wind power installations that do not conflict with significant natural cultural-historical and socio-economic values The project builds on a pilot study conducted in the municipality of Nikšić which demonstrated that there is enough renewable energy capacity from that municipality alone to power the country's 200,000 households while having minimal impact on the environment and local communities The MEGA study was formally launched today with support from Montenegro’s Investment Agency and Ministry of Energy during the inaugural meeting of the Advisory Committee. The committee includes representatives from key national, regional and international bodies in energy like the Energy Community Secretariat and will guide the project’s development and help incorporate the study's findings into national policies the MEGA study will enable Montenegro to designate Renewable Acceleration Areas in accordance with the new EU Renewable Energy Directive The Directive will become applicable to Montenegro after its transposition by the Energy Community professionals from various state institutions and companies will participate in the project implementation including the Environmental Protection Agency Forestry and Water Management and the Montenegrin Electricity Transmission System “Montenegro is dedicated to its energy and climate objectives aiming to decrease reliance on fossil fuels The national study will aid in strategically planning and attaining a diverse environmentally and economically sustainable electricity generation This will play a crucial role in reaching our targets for 2050 concerning the nation's contribution to climate neutrality," said Biljana Ivanović “TNC's expertise in smart siting demonstrates that renewable energy development can coexist with nature conservation and the needs of local communities This methodology aids in identifying areas that support sustainable development and accelerate investments The potential for generating electricity from solar and wind in Montenegro is substantial The approach we will employ in developing the MEGA national study will enable us to precisely gauge the potential of renewable energy sources in megawatts and identify the most suitable locations for building power plants without infringing on anyone's rights I am confident that this is the right path to support Montenegro through the challenging energy transition process,” said Igor Vejnović Southeast Europe Program Director at The Nature Conservancy as an organization that closely monitors decarbonization issues in Montenegro's electricity sector the development of a national study mapping low-conflict locations for solar and wind is of particular importance especially given the institutional support for the entire process Recognizing that decarbonization is not only an energy issue but also a social and ecological one we believe this approach will yield concrete results that help Montenegro decarbonize its energy sector while minimizing impacts on nature and people,” said Milija Čabarkapa Eco-team is an organization whose primary mission is the protection of the environment and sustainable use of natural resources through public advocacy activities in the development of public policies education of the public and private sectors and involvement of the public in decision-making processes Drew Pember to Play in Montenegro 01.24.2025 | Men's Basketball BAR, Montenegro –  Drew Pember has agreed to sign a contract to play for KK Mornar-Barsko zlato in Montenegro Mornar Bar is a part of the AdmiralBet ABA League and won the Montenegrin National Championship in 2018 Pember graduated from Asheville as the most decorated player in program history He was the first back-to-back Big South Men's Basketball Player of the Year honoree since 2008-09 and the seventh multiple-winner in league history He is a two-time Defensive Player of the Year and two-time Preseason Player of the Year He is the fifth back-to-back recipient of the Howard Bagwell Male Athlete of the Year Award since the award began in 1999-00 but the first basketball player to earn the honor in consecutive years Pember is a two-time Lou Henson All-America Team honoree and was named to the All-Tournament team in 2024 Pember became the first Bulldog in program history to play in the NABC Reese's All-Star Game and competed in the prestigious Portsmouth Invitational Tournament Pember competed in the NBA Summer League this past summer with the Charlotte Hornets in Sacramento and the Memphis Grizzlies in Las Vegas Pember led the Big South in overall scoring at 20.6 points and was just the eighth player in league annals to average 20.0 points in back-to-back seasons Pember finished the season fourth in the nation with 228 free throws made and was ninth in attempts He concluded his collegiate career as the only player in Big South history with 1,900 points (1,902) and conference career rankings stand at No To stay updated with all things surrounding Asheville men's basketball, follow the team on 𝕩 The competition is fiercer than ever among this year’s entries from the former Yugoslavia four entries from the region are vying to win over the audience at Eurovision 2025 Over the last few weeks, we asked you to vote for your favourite former Yugoslav entry in our poll we can now reveal which entry captured your hearts Fans seem to be overjoyed to see Montenegro return to Eurovision because Nina Žižić topped our poll with 1,186 votes or a little over a third of the total votes It was a close call between the second and third place entries but Slovenia’s Klemen ultimately came in second with 777 votes while Croatia’s Marko Bošnjak came in third with 759 votes Each of these entries got close to a quarter of the total votes we have Serbia’s Princ rounding out the poll with 588 votes Is Montenegro also your favourite act from the former Yugoslavia in Eurovision 2025 Did you wish to see a different entry come out on top Nina has a great song and a beautiful voice but Princ is my favorite from the former Yugoslav countries Nina has a great voice and the song is sound good luck Montenegro Out of these I like Serbia most it’s in my top 15 Slovenia is in my top 30 and montenegro is in my bottom 5 I don’t get why Serbia is not more popular His performance at London was off the scale Professor Vesko Garčević of the Frederick S. Pardee School of Global Studies at Boston University has published a new book examining the relationship between Montenegro and Serbia. The book, “Montenegro and Serbia: A Velvet Divorce?”, co-authored with Kenneth Morrison presents the first comprehensive analysis of these two Balkan nations’ relationship from the late 1980s to the present day Professor of the Practice of International Relations and Director of Pardee’s Center for the Study of Europe brings his diplomatic experience and regional knowledge to this detailed study Drawing on extensive primary sources in local languages and Russian including many materials previously unpublished in English the book examines the divergent paths taken by Montenegro and Serbia following the dissolution of Yugoslavia It provides an analysis of their bilateral relationship since Montenegro’s independence in 2006 while exploring the internal political developments that have shaped both nations The study examines global power dynamics in the region and the European Union in shaping the Western Balkans’ contemporary political landscape Garčević and Morrison also examine the role of the Serbian Orthodox Church in both countries offering insights into religious-political dynamics in the region This publication contributes to our understanding of the Western Balkans’ complex political dynamics and their implications for global security and diplomatic relations The book’s comprehensive approach makes it a valuable resource for scholars and anyone interested in Southeastern European politics and international relations “Montenegro and Serbia: A Velvet Divorce?” is now available for purchase through Bloomsbury’s official website, Amazon Vesko Garčević is Professor of the Practice of International Relations at the Frederick S where he also serves as Director of the BU Center for the Study of Europe As a former Ambassador of Montenegro to NATO the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) he brings significant diplomatic insights to this scholarly work View all posts Outside of Montenegro: 011 382 20 410 500 In 2021 the United States Embassy in Podgorica celebrated 15 years since opening Learn more about quality higher-education opportunities in the U.S that you will not find anywhere else in the world Find the closest American Space in Montenegro where you can connect with the U.S the United States and Montenegro came together to celebrate an exciting new chapter with the formal inauguration of the new U.S with the full complex set to be finished by 2027 The atmosphere at the dedication ceremony was one of pride and partnership and Director of the Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations (OBO) Patricia Lacina delivered remarks highlighting the importance of the ceremony Ambassador Reinke emphasized that the new embassy is more than just a workplace; it is a symbol of the lasting friendship between the American and Montenegrin people Built using local stone from Nikšić and crafted by talented teams from both countries this $264 million investment stands as a testament to the collaborative spirit between both nations President Milatovic underscored the United States as a reliable partner in Montenegro’s continued development across various sectors OBO Director Lacina highlighted that the new embassy represents the strength of the U.S.-Montenegro relationship and citizens can work together to share common goals The inauguration ceremony was attended by Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary Colleen Hyland and representatives of the business community We use cookies to make our website work better and improve your experience. By continuing to use the site, you agree to our privacy policy. DISCLAIMER: The currency conversion is provided for illustration purposes only It is meant only as an approximation based on the latest information available and should not be relied upon for any other purposes We are not responsible for any loss that you may incur as a result of relying on these currency conversions All property prices are as stated by the listing agent Mohamed Alabbar — the Dubai billionaire behind Emaar Properties and the Burj Khalifa — has Montenegro in his sights Alabbar, a key figure in the UAE’s global real estate expansion, recently partnered with Jared Kushner’s Affinity Partners on a luxury project in Belgrade and has a $6 billion development underway in Tbilisi Sign up for Semafor .css-w8sqnb{text-transform:capitalize;}gulf Connecting decision makers to a dynamic network of information Bloomberg quickly and accurately delivers business and financial information 2025 at 2:28 PM EDTBookmarkSavePortugal’s defense investment may have reached an estimated 1.58% of gross domestic product in 2024 The government last year forecast that defense spending would reach 1.55% of GDP in 2024 the defense ministry said in an emailed statement on Friday Thanks for visiting The use of software that blocks ads hinders our ability to serve you the content you came here to enjoy We ask that you consider turning off your ad blocker so we can deliver you the best experience possible while you are here Learn about the EBRD's journey to investing more than €210 billion in over 7,400 projects business services and involvement in high-level policy reform We draw on three decades of regional knowledge and financial expertise to tailor our products and approaches to each client's needs The EBRD has been investing in Montenegro since 2006 we focus on enhancing the competitiveness of the private sector supporting sustainable practices in the tourism and property sectors improving connectivity and regional integration and promoting energy security and efficiency on a regional level EBRD Shareholders information We seek to help Montenegro develop agribusiness value chains to assist the country in producing more local food for the tourism industry and in decreasing imports is a key focus of the EBRD's country strategy for Montenegro which lists the following areas of potential EBRD engagement: “Upgrading the existing hotels stock through privatisation addressing the seasonality issue by promoting development of congress tourism and health tourism facilities and modernisation of related municipal and environmental infrastructure." EBRD forecast for Montenegro’s real GDP growth in 2025 EBRD forecast for Montenegro’s real GDP growth in 2026 GDP growth is estimated to have been lower in 2024 (3.1 per cent) than anticipated in September 2024 (3.8 per cent) Deceleration from the strong growth in 2022 and 2023 reflects a significant slowdown in tourism Growth in 2024 was driven by private consumption and gross fixed capital formation the introduction of caps on retail and wholesale margins for certain products and ambitious infrastructure projects partly due to a significant decline in tourism growth after a record 2023 as the surge in tourists and immigrants from Russia and Ukraine abated Inflation declined significantly from its peak of 17.5 per cent in November 2022 GDP growth is expected to moderate further to 2.9 per cent in 2025 and 3 per cent in 2026 as higher prices in the tourism sector (driven by large wage increases) may constrain demand while the reconstruction of the Pljevlja power plant (providing around half of electricity for the country) will increase electricity imports significantly growing wages could support fast consumption growth With support from the EBRD and the European Union through the Regional Energy Efficiency Programme (REEP) EBRD loan of up to €12 million for CKB and grant incentives funded by EU and Japan Mr Patrone will meet government officials Learn about and contact the EBRD Donor Partnerships team Complete a form to express interest in EBRD funding opportunities Contact our Communications Department with any media-related questions Engage with us Contact us Cookies are pieces of code used to track website usage and give audiences the best possible experience Use the buttons to confirm whether you agree with default cookie settings when using ebrd.com We use Adobe Analytics cookies to measure usage of the website in order to improve it and respond to end user actions. We review anonymised data on how people reach the site, where they click and so forth. Learn more here about specifics of our cookie use We use Adobe marketing cookies to enable us to customise ebrd.com to tailor the website and email marketing services based on the interests of each end user Mpox (monkeypox) Campaigns Events Multimedia Newsletters Spotlights The European Health Report 2024 Ukraine emergency Second European Programme of Work Out-of-pocket payments lead to catastrophic health spending in nearly 1 in 10 households (9%) in Montenegro While the country has made significant strides in addressing gaps in coverage and reducing barriers to accessing health care catastrophic health spending can prevent people from meeting other basic needs such as food “Can people afford to pay for health care New evidence on financial protection in Montenegro” is the first in-depth analysis of affordable access to health care (financial protection) in Montenegro It is part of a broader project to strengthen health financing policy in the Western Balkans led by the WHO Barcelona Office for Health Systems Financing and funded by the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Enlargement and Eastern Neighbourhood (DG ENEST) The study shows that the incidence of catastrophic health spending in Montenegro is higher than in many European Union (EU) countries It is particularly high in households in the poorest fifth of the population (33%) and households headed by people who are unemployed (18%) or not economically active (15%) Catastrophic health spending in Montenegro is largely driven by outpatient medicines followed by medical products (such as hearing aids and glasses) and outpatient care (primary care visits and consultations with specialists) “Montenegro’s heavy reliance on out-of-pocket payments for health care poses a major challenge to progress towards universal health coverage,” says Marco Chiapuso “Ensuring that everyone can access quality health care without facing financial hardship is essential not only for health system resilience but also for aligning with EU standards a key step for Montenegro on its path to EU membership.” WHO’s new report identifies aspects of coverage policy in Montenegro that are associated with stronger financial protection entitlement to publicly financed health care is based on residence rather than being linked to payment of contributions which often excludes people in the informal sector Another positive aspect is that although user charges (copayments) are widely applied older people and people with very low incomes are exempt from most copayments the report finds that weaknesses in the design of coverage policy and in the purchasing and supply of outpatient medicines prevent Montenegro from protecting people with low incomes from financial hardship Building on recent steps to address gaps in coverage the government of Montenegro can now focus on reducing out-of-pocket payments for people with low incomes or chronic conditions purchasing and supply of outpatient medicines can be addressed by: The negative impact of copayments can be mitigated by: Other gaps in coverage can be addressed by: Taking these steps to reduce financial hardship and unmet need particularly for people with low incomes or chronic conditions will benefit from 2 important supporting actions: first strengthening the availability and use of data by the Ministry of Health and the health insurance fund; and second ensuring that public spending on health grows in line with population health needs and gross domestic product (GDP) The report covers the period from 2006 to 2025 It draws on data from the Montenegro household budget survey from 2006 to 2015 and 2021 (the latest available year); data on unmet need for health care up to 2022 (the latest available year); and information on health coverage (population coverage service coverage and user charges) up to January 2025 WHO/Europe monitors affordable access to health care (financial protection) through the WHO Barcelona Office using regional indicators that are sensitive to equity Financial protection is central to universal health coverage (UHC) and a key dimension of health system performance assessment It is an indicator of the Sustainable Development Goals and part of the European Pillar of Social Rights and is at the heart of the European Programme of Work You can explore our data and analysis on “UHC watch” a digital platform tracking progress on affordable access to health care in Europe and Central Asia Can people afford to pay for health care? New evidence on financial protection in Montenegro Can people afford to pay for health care? New evidence on financial protection in Montenegro: summary UHC watch – tracking progress on affordable access to health care WHO Barcelona Office for Health Systems Financing Can people afford to pay for health care? Evidence on financial protection in 40 countries in Europe The small Balkan state of Montenegro has been an official European Union candidate for many years In spite of widespread support for integration the political situation in the country has made accession an increasingly unlikely prospect This challenge is compounded by growing influence of Serbia’s autocratic regime which poses an immediate threat to Montenegro’s EU aspirations the New York Times suggested that Russia poses the primary external threat to Montenegro’s aspirations to join the European Union while appealing to many western officials and pundits Russia certainly plays a disruptive role in Montenegro and the broader Balkans under the increasingly autocratic regime of Aleksandar Vučić which presents a far more immediate and significant challenge Montenegrin Prime Minister (CC) commons.wikimedia.org meeting with a wide array of political figures from Milo Đukanović I also spoke with over ten per cent of the Montenegrin parliament While the views expressed in this article are my own My key takeaway from this trip is that Montenegro stands at a crossroads teetering between EU integration and a possible regression into Serbia’s orbit Why should Montenegrins – and the West – care about these developments the larger issue is whether Montenegro’s government can now deliver the reforms necessary to qualify for EU membership The EU will not simply hand over membership as a symbolic gesture most Montenegrin parliamentarians I spoke to doubt that the country will join the EU soon despite their eagerness to be part of the supranational structure Their scepticism in part stems from the current government’s actions Spajić’s behaviour has only fuelled internal discord; some parliamentarians confided in me that Spajić dismissively refers to his Europe Now has taken on a more pejorative twist: some critics refer to him as “Mickey Mouse” behind his back thereby creating a government that now suffers from a case of elephantiasis His new cabinet includes seven deputy prime ministers His opponents have accused him of inflating the government in a bid to appease disparate factions the bloated government has turned into a source of public mockery with social media memes showing ministers playing musical chairs struggling to find seats in government meetings Not long after the reshuffle, Spajić conspicuously cancelled his attendance at a critical defence and security council meeting allegedly due to prior commitments. It emerged later that he was vacationing in France, accompanied by a motley crew The presence of the crypto trader seemed more than a coincidence just cannot seem to stray far from the world of digital currencies The crypto dream also has a shadowy past. Spajić has repeatedly downplayed his links to South Korean crypto mogul Do Kwon who is currently facing legal action for financial misconduct Spajić invested 75,000 US dollars in Terraform Labs before it was officially registered in Singapore in 2018 The company’s eventual collapse wiped out $40 billion from the market is not just his penchant for reckless policy – it is that he has cozied up to dangerous allies He has formed political partnerships with political figures who openly support both Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić and Vladimir Putin These alliances raise troubling questions about where Spajić’s loyalties truly lie is taking Montenegro closer to Europe or steering it dangerously off course For a country that once dreamed of Europe Now! the bitter reality may soon be “Europe Never?” When asked about the biggest external threat to Montenegro’s sovereignty and the EU’s integration path Montenegrins often declare that Russia is the number one threat – not necessarily because they believe it but because they know it is what westerners expect to hear Russia’s geopolitical machinations are familiar territory for audiences from Washington to Brussels where Putin serves as the default bogeyman Montenegrins will ultimately admit that Serbia poses the bigger threat to their country’s future This is not borne out of some ingrained anti-Serb sentiment – indeed the historical ties between Montenegro and Serbia run deep the issue lies with the Vučić regime itself and its relentless pursuit of a revanchist agenda policymakers have tended to adopt a Belgrade-centric lens when viewing the Balkans casting Vučić as a force for regional stability rather than the destabilizing actor he truly is The Belgrade-centric approach also partly explains why Montenegrins are reluctant to call a spade a spade While the Kremlin undoubtedly holds sway in Montenegro, with Russian elites owning about a third of the country’s registered yachts and nearly 40 per cent of its real estate, Serbia wields far more influence. Serbia ranks as Montenegro’s top import and export partner though Moscow and Belgrade often pursue complementary goals in the Balkans western analysts frequently mischaracterize the Vučić regime Vučić is often portrayed as “Putin’s puppet” but this overlooks his own agency and unique foreign policy objectives in the Balkans The Vučić regime wields a more immediate and potent influence over Montenegro thanks to its deep-rooted connections to Montenegrin politicians far surpasses what Moscow can achieve from afar The real threat Vučić poses to Montenegro and the region lies in his regime’s promotion of Srpski svet (Serbian World) an ideology akin to Putin’s “Russian World” Srpski svet envisions all ethnic Serbs – whether they reside in Serbia Kosovo or Montenegro – united under one political roof It is a direct descendant of the Greater Serbia ideology that fuelled violence in the 1990s a dangerous form of nationalism that fosters division Advocates of Sprski svet also promote “othering” among Montenegrins – where subnational identities are manipulated to create divisions among groups that once coexisted this tactic has intensified ethnic distinctions straining the country’s social fabric many Montenegrins lead with their ethnic identity rather than a national one This contrasts with the civic model seen in countries like the United States Othering has intensified this polarisation, especially between Montenegrin Serbs and ethnic Montenegrins. Srpski svet propagandists fuel this process with two somewhat contradictory claims: one, that there is no real difference between Serbs and Montenegrins; and two, that Montenegrin Serbs are victims of systemic discrimination Both ideas ultimately serve the same purpose: to justify the creation of Srpski svet The benefits of EU membership would significantly reduce Serbia’s leverage over Montenegrin institutions particularly in the realms of politics and organized crime but Montenegro’s success could rekindle hope and pressure Vučić to shift course This manoeuvre was seen by many opposition members as not just an attempt to curry favour with Vučić but as a direct attack on Montenegro’s relationship with Croatia This balancing act between appeasing pro-Serb actors and moving toward EU membership risks keeping Montenegro in limbo Keeping Montenegro out of the EU would present Serbia with a strategic opening revive the old dream of uniting Serbian and Montenegrin territory under a single banner A military invasion by Serbia seems far-fetched in a world where Montenegro is a NATO member one that reconsiders NATO membership or floats the possibility of a new federation Pro-Serb parties are already promoting the idea that Montenegrins such a shift could tip the political scales dramatically bolster the voting power of pro-Serb elements setting the stage for elections or referenda that could compromise Montenegro’s sovereignty and further entrench Serbia’s influence over the country’s future mobilising against pro-Western political forces and aligning with Serbian and Russian narratives Pro-Serb media narratives also dominate the Montenegrin landscape with three of the four broadcasters with national frequencies controlled by Serbian media groups. These outlets, though privately owned, are heavily influenced by Vučić’s regime and promote narratives that align with Belgrade’s strategic interests More than nine out of ten Montenegrins have access to cable television making it easy for Serbian channels like TV Pink and TV Happy to reach a wide audience known for their entertainment programming as well as their politically charged content have gained significant popularity in Montenegro have been increasingly acquiring private and independent radio stations across the region they have purchased a significant number of stations in Montenegro This growing influence of Serbian-owned media in Montenegro has raised concerns about the consolidation of media ownership and its potential impact on the independence and diversity of local media voices In addition to promoting narratives to justify Srpski svet, these media outlets also frequently promote anti-EU and anti-NATO rhetoric often amplified by Russian propaganda outlets like RT and Sputnik many Montenegrins’ perceptions of their country’s place in the world are shaped by these narratives As the Nigerian novelist Chinua Achebe once said “Until the lions have their own historians the history of the hunt will always glorify the hunter.” For Montenegro the risk is clear: the longer its media landscape is dominated by Serbian outlets the more difficult it will be to foster a national identity distinct from Belgrade’s sphere of influence As Montenegro moves closer to EU membership it is likely that anti-EU and anti-NATO rhetoric will only intensify making it increasingly difficult for the country to stay on course Montenegrins frequently express a longing for decisive leadership reminiscent of figures like Tito during the Yugoslav era what Montenegro needs is not necessarily a strong charismatic leader but a robust united coalition of political parties whose primary goal is EU integration must be strategically aligned to push the country closer to Europe This coalition should prioritize reforms that bolster democratic institutions and counteract anti-EU narratives that have gained traction from Serbian and Russian influences the coalition can not only enhance the legitimacy of its initiatives but also foster greater public trust among Montenegrins who are eager for a strong vision of their future Beyond the structural reforms needed for EU integration such a coalition must also focus on its internal cohesion The notion of “othering” certain groups within the country particularly with regard to ethnic and political divisions Instead of falling victim to divisive narratives Montenegro could draw inspiration from the “Rainbow Nation” concept championed by Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu in post-apartheid South Africa The essence of this concept lies in celebrating diversity where the different identities within a nation are seen as its strength much like a rainbow is composed of different colours that together form something beautiful embracing this idea could foster national unity and present a powerful counter-narrative to the divisive rhetoric promoted by the Vučić regime It would also set a positive example for other Balkan nations struggling with similar issues of identity and sovereignty EU and US support for Montenegro has never been more critical While it has made significant progress toward EU integration the internal and external forces working to undermine its progress cannot be underestimated pro-Russian factions are allowed to prevail the country’s EU membership could be derailed with far-reaching consequences not only for Montenegro The EU and US must make it clear that Montenegro’s future lies in the West and that tangible rewards await if the country remains on its current path the transatlantic community needs to deliver the right mix of political economic and strategic support to keep the momentum going This includes bolstering independent media in Montenegro and encouraging judicial and political reforms that bring the country closer to EU membership There is an important precedent that Montenegro and its western allies should consider: the experiences of the Baltic states though small in population like Montenegro have faced similar challenges in dealing with Russian influence – especially in the realms of media and political manipulation these countries have managed to create relatively resilient democratic institutions and robust media environments despite the constant threat from their much larger neighbour to the East The Baltics offer a clear lesson for Montenegro: with the right combination of internal resolve and external support small states can stand up to outside influence and thrive within the EU and NATO frameworks partnering with the Baltic states to explore their media reforms and strategies for countering foreign influence could be a critical step toward safeguarding its own path to EU membership A key figure in this endeavour could be Kaja Kallas known for her staunch stance against authoritarianism and external manipulation If Montenegro is allowed to slip back into Serbia’s orbit it would represent a major geopolitical setback for both NATO and the EU A reorientation toward Belgrade would not only halt Montenegro’s EU integration but would also raise the spectre of Montenegro exiting NATO Such a development would leave a strategic vacuum along the Adriatic there is also a broader regional implication Successfully integrating Montenegro into the EU would send a clear message to other Western Balkan countries that the path to membership remains real and achievable This would offer a counter-narrative to the growing sense of Euroscepticism that is fuelled by pro-Russian and pro-Serb actors across the region Leon Hartwell is a visiting fellow at the European Leadership Network (ELN) in London and a non-resident senior fellow at the Center for European Policy Analysis (CEPA) in Washington DC The consequences of Russia’s invasion are visible not only in Ukraine The Kremlin has set off or exploited a series of crises that face most European countries New thinking is needed in policies towards Russia in whatever form it will take after the war Ukraine’s suffering goes well beyond the front line With Russia’s invasion of Ukraine we now see our western values under siege whether we consciously recognise it or not The invasion by Russian forces of Ukraine from the north south and east – with the initial aim to take the capital Kyiv – has changed our region The situation with Russian threats towards Ukraine once again illustrates the high level of instability in our region Only a year ago we witnessed the second Nagorno-Karabakh war between Armenia and Azerbaijan It took at least 5,000 lives and significantly shifted the geopolitics in the South Caucuses This special issue aims to honour the plight of Belarusians whose democratic choice made in August 2020 was shamelessly snubbed by Alyaksandr Lukashenka a lot of work still remains for this country And this is why Ukraine’s story is incomplete 30 years after the fall of the Soviet Union Our societies are more polarised than ever before which makes them more susceptible to disinformation The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed limitations and weaknesses in nearly all countries around the world volatility and the relationship between Russia and the West The Black Sea region is quickly becoming a geopolitical battleground which is gaining the interest of major powers regional players and smaller countries – and the stakes are only getting higher This issue is dedicated to the 10 year anniversary of the European Union’s Eastern Partnership as well as the 30 years since the 1989 revolutions in Central Europe The consequences of the emerging multipolar world This issue takes a special look at the role and responsibility of the public intellectual in Central and Eastern Europe today In the eastern parts of the European continent 1918 is remembered not only as the end of the First World War but also saw the emergence of newly-independent states and the rise of geopolitical struggles which are felt until this day that Belarus remains isolated from the West and very static in its transformation The Summer 2018 issue of New Eastern Europe tackles the complexity of para-states in the post-Soviet space Ambassador Judy Reinke swore in 10 new Peace Corps Volunteers marking the 4th cohort to serve in Montenegro the Volunteers play a vital role in strengthening the relationship between the U.S and Montenegro by building bridges of understanding and respect She also emphasized that the Peace Corps’ mission of service and mutual respect helps make America safer We use cookies to make our website work better and improve your experience Deputy Prime Minister for Foreign and European Affairs of Montenegro said the global community has failed to provide an effective and a comprehensive response towards the key challenges of carrying everyone along in matters of peace and security sustainable development and human dignity. “Achievement of a peaceful and sustainable future arbitrary and authoritative actions of a handful of international actors but whose actions are jeopardizing the peace and welfare of the majority will insist on our full-scale vigilance and awareness and put our words and our rhetoric to a practical test,” he stressed  Expressing support for the Secretary-General’s New Agenda for Peace he called on Member States to throw their weight behind the realization of the 2030 Agenda the inability of developing economies to sufficiently finance policies in this regard particularly in the light of the negative impacts of the COVID‑19 pandemic and the Russian Federation's invasion of Ukraine “We are committed to promoting good governance and strong institutions at all levels as key enablers of sustainable development and we strongly advocate for reforms towards a more inclusive and representative international financial architecture,” he stressed  He lamented the escalating violence and humanitarian situation in Gaza and called for a humanitarian ceasefire during which negotiations would be conducted towards a two-State solution “as only a two-State model guarantees lasting and sustainable peace in the region” in line with international humanitarian law halt attacks on civilian infrastructure and allow aid to get to the affected civilian population  “We emphasize yet again that there can be no impunity for war and other heinous crimes and that we must ensure responsibility as a precondition for ensuring a durable peace,” he said supporting all accountability initiatives to fight impunity and ensure justice  Montenegro will continue to support Ukraine and provide it with financial just and lasting peace in line with the UN Charter and Assembly resolutions he urged the international community to strengthen climate action and fully implement relevant treaties like the Paris Agreement  He highlighted the Human Rights Council as a platform to be harnessed in preventing the emergence or escalation of conflicts and committed to strengthening that body in a bid to preserve the universality and independence of the human rights system He further called for a reform of the United Nations system particularly the Security Council in its constitution and representation and the General Assembly whose role and authority should be strengthened  Echoing John Adams’ words:  “Every problem is an opportunity in disguise,” he said the current global challenges in their various dimensions present the international community “a unique opportunity to use the current deteriorating international environment as momentum for building a more equal with a revitalized multilateralism based on fair and humane globalization respect for human rights and dignity of all” Listen to and download the full statement in mp3 format UN PhotoPrevious sessionsAccess the statements from previous sessions Thanks for visiting