AGP Executive Report

Montenegro Politics: Opposition MPs want Speaker Andrija Mandić removed after he offered condolences over the death of convicted war criminal Ratko Mladić; an extraordinary parliamentary session is set for Sept. 24, with the vote short of the needed majority, raising fresh pressure as Montenegro pushes EU accession talks. EU & Enlargement: EU enlargement commissioner Marta Kos says Serbia must face the past and questions how “glorification” of Mladić fits the European path, while Brussels prepares its next enlargement package later this month. Education & Youth: New OECD/PISA reporting shows reading and math declines to record lows across OECD countries, with 15-year-olds at low levels rising to one in five—an issue Montenegro and the region can’t ignore. Tourism & Memory: A luxury resort on Montenegro’s Mamula Island is spotlighted for its WWII concentration-camp past, reigniting debate over how the country markets history. Regional Mobility: Bosnia’s transport minister warns coordinated protests by carriers from BiH, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia over Schengen driver rules will need EU-level solutions. Aviation: Eurocontrol reports record summer air traffic in Europe, with notable growth in Montenegro alongside other Balkan destinations.

EU Accession Pressure: Montenegro’s EU path stays in the spotlight as opposition MPs push to remove Parliament Speaker Andrija Mandić after he offered condolences for convicted war criminal Ratko Mladić, with an extraordinary Sept. 24 session set and the vote short of the needed majority. Education Watch: A new OECD/PISA report shows reading and math learning levels falling to record lows across wealthy countries, adding fresh pressure on governments to improve school quality and rigour. Tourism With a Dark Past: Montenegro’s Mamula Island luxury hotel is back in the news after reporting that the fortress was used as an Italian WWII concentration camp, raising concerns about how history is handled in tourism. Regional Mobility & EU Rules: Transport protests are planned for Sept. 14 at EU border crossings, tied to the Schengen 90/180 driver rule, with Bosnia’s minister warning the issue needs EU-level solutions. Energy Links: Japan signed an emergency LNG deal with Petronas and also agreed energy cooperation with Montenegro, including an LNG receiving terminal and gas-fired power plans. Aviation Demand: Eurocontrol says Europe’s summer skies hit record traffic, with Montenegro among countries seeing strong increases.

Education Watch: OECD’s PISA 2025 shows reading and maths scores in major systems sliding to record lows, with 1 in 5 students now at low levels—another warning for Montenegro’s region as governments debate how to restore learning quality. EU Enlargement Pressure: Hungary’s foreign minister urged the EU to keep moving on Western Balkans accession, while EU enlargement commissioner Marta Kos said Serbia must still prove it’s sincere about its European path after the state-honours burial of Ratko Mladić. Montenegro Politics: Opposition MPs in Montenegro are pushing to remove parliament speaker Andrija Mandić over condolences for Mladić, with an extraordinary session set for Sept. 24. Adriatic Energy Links: Japan signed its first emergency LNG deal with Malaysia’s Petronas and reiterated cooperation with Montenegro on an LNG receiving terminal and gas-fired power plans. Regional Transport Tension: Bosnia’s communications minister warned coordinated protests by carriers from BiH, Montenegro and others over Schengen driver rules will need EU-level solutions. Tourism & Travel: British Airways launched a new Heathrow–Tivat route, feeding demand for Montenegro’s Bay of Kotor.

Montenegro EU Politics: Opposition MPs want Parliament Speaker Andrija Mandić removed after he offered condolences over the death of convicted war criminal Ratko Mladić, with an extraordinary Sept. 24 session set and a vote short of the 41 needed. EU Enlargement Watch: EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos said after the Mladić funeral with state honors that Brussels must assess whether Serbia is still a suitable candidate, warning that reconciliation and rule of law are at stake. Montenegro Parliament Tension: The push to oust Mandić risks straining Montenegro’s multi-ethnic government as it tries to keep EU accession talks on track. Adriatic Tourism & Travel: British Airways launched a new twice-weekly Heathrow–Tivat route, boosting access to Montenegro’s Bay of Kotor area. Regional Transport: Bosnia’s communications minister warned that coordinated protests by Western Balkan transporters over EU Schengen driver rules must be solved at EU level, not locally. Energy Links: Japan signed its first emergency LNG deal with Malaysia’s Petronas and also backed energy cooperation with Montenegro, including an LNG terminal and gas-fired power plant. Cruise Industry: Holland America pulled forward its Oosterdam “Evolution” refit by five weeks, adding new sailings that include calls in Montenegro.

Montenegro Politics: Opposition MPs want Parliament Speaker Andrija Mandić removed after he offered condolences over the death of convicted war criminal Ratko Mladić, with an extraordinary Sept. 24 session set and a vote short of the needed majority. EU Accession Pressure: EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos says the bloc must assess whether Serbia is still a suitable candidate after the Mladić funeral, stressing reconciliation, rule of law and strategic orientation. EU Enlargement Politics: Kos also urged candidate countries to avoid building dependencies on Donald Trump’s MAGA movement, warning it could pull them away from EU long-term interests. Energy & Investment: Japan signed its first emergency LNG supply deal with Malaysia’s Petronas and also backed energy cooperation with Montenegro, including an LNG receiving terminal and gas-fired power plant. Regional Economy & Integration: A Belgrade economic forum argued the Western Balkans should be treated as part of Europe’s solution, pushing deeper integration and investment without waiting for EU accession. Tourism & Connectivity: British Airways launched a new direct Heathrow–Tivat route, highlighting Montenegro’s Bay of Kotor as an increasingly popular cruise and holiday draw. Culture & Memory: A Montenegro fortress makeover sparked backlash over turning a concentration-camp site into a luxury-style attraction, raising concerns about preserving history. Sports: Montenegrin-linked footballer Andrija Bulatović is in the spotlight after adding major trophies with RC Lens.

EU Enlargement Watch: EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos urged candidate countries to avoid building ties with Donald Trump’s MAGA movement, warning against “dependencies” that could pull them away from Brussels. EU–Serbia Tensions: Kos also said EU officials must clarify whether Serbia remains a suitable candidate after the state-honors funeral of convicted war criminal Ratko Mladić in Belgrade. Montenegro–EU Path: Montenegro’s European Affairs minister Maida Gorcevic told Kyiv that Montenegro can share rule-of-law reform best practices with Ukraine as it pushes toward EU membership. Local Economy & Investment: A new analysis flags Montenegro’s EU momentum alongside a real-estate-heavy investment pattern, raising questions about whether capital is building productive capacity. Business & Tourism Links: Montenegro and Mongolia moved from agreements to practical cooperation, focusing on business contacts, tourism, and better transport. Culture & Media: The Adriatic Film and TV Awards nominees put Montenegro-linked “DJ Ahmet” at the top, with winners set to be announced in Tivat. Education Spotlight: OECD PISA 2025 results show reading and maths declines reaching record lows across developed countries, with Montenegro among those showing notable change.

EU Enlargement Pressure: EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos urged candidate countries to cut ties with Donald Trump’s MAGA movement, warning that outside political dependencies could pull states away from Brussels’ long-term interests. EU Membership Terms: Montenegro’s European affairs minister Maida Gorčević pushed back on “half-membership” ideas, saying Podgorica wants full-fledged EU membership “as an equal.” Language as a Deal Tool: Spain is linking progress on Catalan, Galician and Basque official status to EU enlargement momentum, raising fresh pressure for Montenegro and other candidates. Montenegro–Mongolia Trade Push: President Jakov Milatović’s state visit to Mongolia included business talks and a joint declaration aimed at boosting direct contacts, tourism and transport links. Domestic Politics in Montenegro: Montenegro’s opposition moved to oust Parliament Speaker Andrija Mandic over his condolences after Ratko Mladić’s death, while prosecutors opened a case against Metropolitan Metodije for alleged incitement tied to Mladic’s glorification. Education Alarm: New OECD PISA 2025 results show reading and maths performance falling to record lows across developed countries, adding urgency to reforms. Adriatic Cooperation: A new GFCM technical unit in Split will strengthen science-based fisheries management across the Adriatic, including Montenegro. Culture & Sports: Adriatic Film and TV Awards nominations were announced for Montenegro-region productions, and Montenegro’s footballer Andrija Bulatović drew attention after adding major trophies with Lens.

EU Enlargement Pressure: EU enlargement chief Marta Kos urged candidate countries to cut ties with Donald Trump’s MAGA movement, warning against building political dependencies that clash with Brussels’ long-term interests. Montenegro-EU Stakes: Montenegro’s European affairs minister Maida Gorčević said Podgorica wants full, equal EU membership—not “junior partner” status—while warning that next year’s elections across EU capitals could become the biggest test for enlargement credibility. Montenegro-Mongolia Business Push: President Jakov Milatović’s state visit to Mongolia focused on turning agreements into action, with a business roundtable stressing direct B2B links, tourism, and transport connectivity. Local Justice & War-Crimes Fallout: Montenegro’s Higher State Prosecutor opened a case over allegations that a Serbian Orthodox metropolitan in Piva Monastery glorified Ratko Mladić, as regional tensions continue after his funeral. Education Warning: OECD PISA 2025 results showed record-low reading and maths performance across developed countries, adding fresh pressure for education reform.

EU Accession Push: Montenegro’s EU minister Maida Gorčević told Brussels it wants full-fledged membership “as an equal,” rejecting any “junior partner” model and warning that next year’s elections across the bloc could test enlargement credibility. EU Enlargement Politics: The EU’s enlargement chief Marta Kos said candidate states must cut ties with Donald Trump’s MAGA movement, warning against building “dependencies” that run against EU interests. Local Justice & Hate Speech: In Podgorica, prosecutors opened a case after a criminal complaint against Serbian Orthodox Metropolitan Metodije of Budimlja and Nikšić over alleged incitement and glorification of Ratko Mladic during a Piva Monastery service. Parliament Pressure: Montenegro’s opposition moved to oust Parliament Speaker Andrija Mandic over his public condolences for Mladic, arguing the role must protect parliament’s integrity and Montenegro’s international obligations. Regional Fisheries: The GFCM created a new Adriatic Sea technical unit in Split to strengthen science-based, sustainable fishing cooperation among Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Italy, Montenegro and Slovenia. Mongolia Ties: President Jakov Milatović visited the Chinggis Khaan Museum and held a business roundtable as Montenegro and Mongolia signed cooperation agreements to expand trade and investment. Human Rights Abroad: The EU ambassador to the UN condemned escalating repression in Georgia, with Montenegro among endorsers of the statement.

EU–Serbia Fallout: EU leaders condemned Serbia after Ratko Mladić’s funeral in Belgrade, calling the military honours and official backing “shocking” and a failure to confront a dark past, with Brussels warning it clashes with Serbia’s EU path. Bosnia Diplomatic Retaliation: Bosnia and Herzegovina expelled two Serbian embassy officials in Sarajevo and suspended plans for a regional cooperation declaration, citing “glorification” of the convicted war criminal and “crossed all red lines.” Montenegro–Mongolia Ties: Montenegro’s President Jakov Milatović is on a state visit to Mongolia, marking 20 years of diplomatic relations, with talks and a joint declaration plus visa and diplomatic training agreements. Education Warning for the Region: New OECD PISA results show continued declines in reading, maths and science skills worldwide, with “hasty readers” rising—an issue that matters for the Western Balkans as EU integration pressures grow. EU Enlargement Economics: An IMF report says candidate countries must deliver sweeping reforms and boost productivity to benefit from EU membership, not just rely on accession.

EU Enlargement & Economy: The IMF says EU candidate countries must deliver sweeping economic reforms, with productivity at the core, warning that accession gains aren’t automatic and depend on domestic changes. Montenegro Diplomacy: Montenegro President Jakov Milatović is on a state visit to Mongolia, marking 20 years of ties, with talks and a joint declaration covering trade, investment, education, culture, science and climate. EU Values Clash: Senior EU leaders condemned Serbia’s “shocking” glorification of convicted war criminal Ratko Mladić at his Belgrade funeral, while the scenes of military honours and state backing add fresh pressure on Serbia’s EU path. Regional Tensions: Bosnia and Herzegovina ordered the expulsion of two Serbian diplomats and cut ties to the “lowest possible level” after Mladić-related glorification, and Montenegro was also mentioned as a planned signing date for regional declarations. Education Watch: OECD’s PISA 2025 found 15-year-olds’ reading, maths and science performance at the weakest levels since testing began, with reading declines the steepest. Transport & Schengen: Regional hauliers announced EU border blockades from 14 September over the Schengen stay limit for Western Balkan professional drivers.

EU Security: EU plans new partnerships between Eurojust and third countries to boost cooperation against drug trafficking, cybercrime and money laundering. Montenegro Politics & EU Path: Montenegro’s parliament adopted a law that allows confiscation of assets worth at least €50,000 in organised-crime cases, but experts warn implementation capacity is unclear as Podgorica pushes toward EU accession. Regional Diplomacy: Bosnia and Herzegovina says it will recall embassy staff and cut bilateral meetings with Serbia to the “lowest possible level” after the glorification of convicted war criminal Ratko Mladić. War Crimes Fallout: Thousands gathered in Belgrade for Mladić’s funeral with military honours, drawing condemnation over state and political participation. Montenegro International Ties: President Jakov Milatović will visit Mongolia Sept. 8–10, aiming to expand trade, investment, education, culture and tourism. Economy & Society: ILO data puts Montenegro at the top of Western Balkan labour productivity, while Albania lags; UNICEF reports 20 million children across 21 countries faced tech-facilitated sexual abuse in a year.

EU Security & Accession: EU ambassador Luigi Soreca says around 200 Western Balkan firms can produce NATO-standard ammunition, with Serbia and Bosnia leading; he also notes Montenegro is moving closer to EU membership as Albania could finish talks by end-2027. Organised Crime Crackdown: Montenegro’s parliament adopted a Sept. 3 law expanding asset confiscation in organised-crime cases to at least €50,000, but experts warn enforcement capacity is the real test. UNICEF Child Safety: UNICEF reports about 20 million children aged 12–17 across 21 countries suffered tech-facilitated sexual exploitation or abuse in a year, with social media driving nearly 60% of recorded cases. Montenegro Diplomacy: President Jakov Milatović will visit Mongolia Sept. 8–10, the first state-level trip by a Montenegrin president to Mongolia, marking 20 years of ties. Regional Shockwaves: In Belgrade, thousands attended the funeral of convicted war criminal Ratko Mladić, a divisive event drawing heavy political and media attention across the region.

Montenegro Diplomacy: President Jakov Milatović will make a state visit to Mongolia from Sept. 8–10, the first Montenegrin presidential trip at that level, as the two countries mark 20 years of diplomatic ties and plan talks on trade, investment, education, culture, science, tourism and climate. EU & Accession Politics: Ireland’s EU ministers meeting in Dublin comes as Brussels tries to keep enlargement on track after Iceland’s “No” vote, while Spain links Catalan, Basque and Galician official status to the enlargement timetable—raising new political friction for candidates including Montenegro. Public Safety & Health: UNICEF says about 20 million children aged 12–17 across 21 countries have faced technology-facilitated sexual exploitation and abuse, with Montenegro included in the newer research round. Local Culture & Film: Montenegro Film Rendezvous’ 3rd edition highlighted Montenegrin director Marija Perović, while the wider Camera 300 competition lineup totals 51 films across categories. Sports: UFC Paris saw Sofia Montenegro suffer a brutal debut defeat in a bloody bout that ended by submission.

Meta Media Restrictions: SafeJournalists says Meta is blocking access to media and public-interest accounts in Albania, including Euronews Albania’s Instagram and Citizens.al’s Facebook, with no clear explanation. Montenegro Diplomacy: President Jakov Milatović will make Montenegro’s first state visit to Mongolia on Sept. 8-10, marking 20 years of diplomatic ties and aiming to expand cooperation in trade, investment, education, culture and climate. Transport Economics: A World Bank study says Albania gets the strongest return on transport spending in the Western Balkans, with higher benefit-to-cost ratios than Montenegro and others. EU Enlargement Context: EU ministers meet in Dublin to keep enlargement moving after Iceland’s rejection of renewed talks, with officials insisting the process remains dynamic. UNICEF Online Abuse: UNICEF reports 20 million children aged 12-17 across 21 countries faced technology-facilitated sexual exploitation, with social media a major channel—Montenegro figures show most cases involve social platforms. Local Culture & Tourism: EXIT says its Montenegro events drew about 150,000 attendees from 100+ countries, boosting music tourism in Ulcinj and Budva.

UFC in Paris: A UFC debut turned into a bloodbath at UFC Paris as Argentinian flyweight Sofia Montenegro was left “unrecognizable” after a brutal loss to French newcomer Delphine Benouaich, with both fighters drenched in blood and Montenegro rendered unconscious before the referee stopped it. EU enlargement pressure on Montenegro: Spain is linking EU enlargement to settling official-language status for Catalan, Basque and Galician, raising fresh political friction for candidate countries including Montenegro as unanimity rules keep every step sensitive. TAP privatization talks: Portugal has opened a new negotiation phase for Air France-KLM and Lufthansa after both submitted binding offers for up to 44.9% of TAP, seeking improved terms before choosing a final bidder. Child safety online: UNICEF reports 20 million children aged 12–17 across 21 countries faced technology-facilitated sexual exploitation, with nearly 60% of cases involving social media—Montenegro sees social platforms in over 80% of reported cases. Tourism and festivals: EXIT says its Montenegro events drew about 150,000 attendees from 100+ countries, including Ulcinj’s Long Beach launch and Sea Dance in Budva.