Tensions Rise Between Serbia and Montenegro Ahead of EU Summit

Tensions escalated between Serbia and Montenegro just before a European Union summit in Tivat, Montenegro. The situation worsened when Montenegrin authorities denied entry to a Serbian plane carrying 87 passengers, labeling them a security threat.

In retaliation, Serbian authorities detained 30 Montenegrin citizens at Belgrade airport. Long queues of vehicles were also reported at border crossings between the two countries starting Wednesday morning.

Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić confirmed he would attend the summit in Tivat, despite warnings from Serbia's Security Information Agency (BIA) about his life being endangered. He stated the importance of representing Serbia at the event.

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I received a written warning from BIA, I read it. I haven't discussed it with Antonio Costa. I am going there, it is very important that I represent Serbia.

Further complicating matters, Robert Šebek, a Serbian opposition official, questioned how Spasoje Vujović, arrested in October 2023 for alleged tax evasion totaling over 18 million euros, was among those denied entry into Montenegro. Additionally, Nikola Terzić, former director of Montenegrin police, and Blažo Rađenović, vice-president of the Civic Movement URA, were reportedly denied entry into Serbia upon the request of the Serbian BIA.

Reports from N1 Serbia indicated that vehicles with Serbian license plates were passing through border crossings without issue, while others faced delays. The BIA's advisory against Vučić's travel added another layer of complexity to the already strained relations.

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How is it possible that among the persons who were returned from Montenegro yesterday was Spasoje Vujović, who was arrested in Subotica in October 2023 on suspicion of participating in tax evasion and thus damaging Serbia's budget by more than 18 million euros?