Good neighbour - Montenegro and regional cooperation
Good neighbour - Montenegro and regional cooperation

Author(s): Vladimir Vučković
Subject(s): Politics, International relations/trade, EU-Accession / EU-DEvelopment
Published by: Centar za građansko obrazovanje (CGO)
Keywords: Montenegro; regional cooperation; EU integrations;
Summary/Abstract: Three decades since the fall of communism and two decades since the last conflicts have been traumatic for the region. Although all economies, at least nominally, have fitted their functioning into modern economic flows, the prolonged transition, the legacy of the previous regime and conflicts, as well as unresolved social challenges continue to place a heavy burden on the countries of the region. Lagging behind the European Union (EU) average is obvious in almost all aspects of life and it will take a lot of time, effort and investment to bring the region closer to the EU standards. The trauma that region has experienced in recent decades is most visible in emigration, and the consequences of the so-called brain drain is to be felt. Good neighbourly relations and dedicated work on improving regional cooperation are important European integration links of all countries aspiring to EU membership. Stability in the region and strengthening the rule of law are the conditions for the Europeanization and modernization of these societies and the preconditions for the EU accession that these countries have to satisfy. Since declaring independence in 2006, Montenegro has played a constructive role and made visible progress in strengthening regional co-operation and maintaining good bilateral relations with countries in the process of joining the EU. This refers to active participation in numerous regional initiatives, as well as to Montenegro’s political commitment to the development of good neighbourly relations in the region to the greatest extent. In this regard, the positive impact of the EU on Montenegro in strengthening state efforts for regional cooperation, building regional stability and improving good-neighbourly relations, but also fostering a climate conducive to solving outstanding bilateral issues, is noted. This area is an example of the effectiveness of the EU external incentives and the readiness of domestic governing structures to comply with the requirements on the path to the EU membership. It should be noted that meeting the criteria of regional cooperation does not require the adoption of specific EU legal norms, and therefore depends primarily on the external pressure of the Union and the willingness of the political elite in the country to respond to these requirements. Of course, more outstanding issues remain, and to fully address the conditions of the Stabilization and Association Process, Montenegro should achieve a peaceful conflict resolution with Croatia over the demarcation of the border around the Prevlaka peninsula by submitting it to international arbitration before reaching the EU entrance as well as to make more efforts to resolve outstanding issues with Serbia, including border demarcation, dual citizenship and problems concerning position of the Serbian Orthodox Church (SOC) in Montenegro.

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