Vučić escalates criticism of Montenegro, accuses it of double standards

Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić has intensified his diplomatic barbs towards Montenegro, stating that relations between the two Balkan neighbors are now "never worse." This sharp deterioration follows a period of generally harmonious ties, particularly after the change in government in Montenegro, moving away from the leadership of Milo Đukanović.

The latest point of contention arose when Montenegro sent a junior diplomat, the chargé d'affaires from its embassy in Zagreb, to the commemoration of Operation Storm in Knin. Vučić claimed this contradicted prior agreements and expressed disappointment, stating, "They promised me they would pay attention to this and that they do not have that kind of obligation." He added, "I cannot say that Mr. Milatović was incorrect in his statement, but the Government did the complete opposite of what we discussed."

Montenegro's Ministry of Foreign Affairs responded that sending diplomatic representatives to significant national commemorations of allied states, especially NATO members, is standard diplomatic practice. Political scientist Nikoleta Đukanović suggested Vučić's reactions might be linked to Montenegro's progress in European integration and the perceived "disobedience" of his allies within Montenegro, such as Andrija Mandić, the speaker of Montenegro's parliament.

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I cannot say that Mr. Milatović was incorrect in his statement, but the Government did the complete opposite of what we discussed.

Vučić also criticized Montenegro's alignment with the European Union's foreign policy, specifically questioning its adoption of sanctions against Russia. "Did they also adopt the 21st package of sanctions against Russia? You know they are always first. They announce before Brussels votes – they just announce that they will vote on a decision, and they from Podgorica announce in advance that they are for it," Vučić commented.

Montenegrin Prime Minister Milojko Spajić countered Vučić's remarks, asserting that Montenegro seeks good neighborly relations but maintains a clear European policy that Vučić seemingly misunderstands. Spajić accused the Serbian president of inappropriately acting as a "PR agent for Russia" and lecturing others on principles. "We in Montenegro have no problem with a clear stance. We only have a problem with double standards," Spajić stated, highlighting Montenegro's commitment to its geopolitical orientation.

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We in Montenegro have no problem with a clear stance. We only have a problem with double standards.