Croatia objects to Montenegro’s transport chapter on its EU path

Croatia objects to Montenegro’s transport chapter in EU accession talks

Montenegro aims to close the chapters in its European Union accession negotiations by the end of this year and join the bloc in 2028. Croatia appears to be putting pressure on Podgorica over its objection to the transport chapter and unresolved bilateral issues from the past.

Scraper SystemSeptember 16, 2026, 10:56 AM

Croatia objects to Montenegro’s transport chapter in EU accession talks

While 2028 stands out as Montenegro’s target year for joining the European Union, the country aims to close the chapters in its negotiations by the end of this year. However, Croatia appears to have objected since July to closing the chapter on the transport sector.

Zagreb is alleged to be putting pressure on Montenegro to resolve some bilateral issues that emerged after the wars in the region during the 1990s. This approach could complicate Montenegro’s progress in the EU accession process.

Podgorica does not expect a blockage

Montenegro’s Minister for European Affairs, Maida Gorčević, said they did not believe Croatia would block her country’s EU accession process.

Gorčević also criticized Montenegro’s parliamentary speaker, Andrija Mandić, for publishing a condolence message for Ratko Mladić, one of the principal perpetrators of the Srebrenica genocide. The minister said Mandić’s stance in no way reflected Montenegro’s position.

Zagreb highlights democratic values

Croatian European Parliament member Sunčana Glavak said in remarks in Brussels that EU enlargement was not limited to closing negotiation chapters.

Glavak pointed to Montenegro, stressing that commitment to democratic values was also decisive in the accession process. The Croatian government also reacted to Mandić’s condolence message for Mladić.

Ratko Mladić was sentenced to life in prison for the Srebrenica genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes.