Kiz for "Vijesti": Lawlessness cannot be justified forever

Chargé d'Affaires at the Embassy of the United States of America Michael Keys He said that transnational criminal organizations pose a threat to the interests of Montenegro, the United States and its allies, saying that his country expects official Podgorica to fight more vigorously against drug trafficking from Latin America to Europe.

In an interview with Vijesti, he emphasized that these criminal networks must be broken up so that the state can achieve the future its citizens deserve, but also announced the potential possibility of introducing sanctions against members of Montenegrin cartels and their helpers in institutions.

Keyes also said that the US is neutral on the issue of Montenegro's accession to the European Union, but that he had not seen the statement by the former president of Montenegro. Milo Đukanović - that the US has acted as “useful idiots for Russia.” He stressed that he encourages Montenegro to focus less on Serbia and Russia and more on reforms that will attract Western investment and further solidify its place as part of the West.

Responding to a question about the potential infiltration of the mafia into the Montenegrin security sector and judiciary, the American diplomat said that societies in which corruption has been tolerated for decades cannot change overnight, but that illegal behavior cannot be justified indefinitely.

Have the US's priorities towards Montenegro changed since Donald Trump returned to the White House? If so, how and why? What does Washington expect most from Podgorica today?

Changes in U.S. administrations often bring changes in international relations and foreign policy priorities. In line with this administration’s National Security Strategy, the United States seeks to expand opportunities for American workers and companies through fair and reciprocal economic relations with our partners. In the case of Montenegro, this includes working on an intergovernmental agreement that would expand cooperation in multiple areas. We remain committed to supporting Montenegro’s role in preserving European security and stability. As we mark the 20th anniversary of the State Partnership Program between the Army of Montenegro and the Maine National Guard, we look forward to further strengthening this successful partnership through defense cooperation, training, and education. Montenegro has established itself as a reliable ally in NATO, and we expect all Allies to fulfill their commitments. We also welcome continued cooperation with Montenegro in the fight against transnational organized crime, corruption, and illicit trafficking. Successful results in these areas contribute to strengthening the rule of law and better protecting the security and prosperity of both our countries.

How does the United States view the possibility of Montenegro becoming a member of the European Union in the near future? In your opinion, what is the biggest obstacle to that process?

Montenegro's potential accession to the European Union is a sovereign decision of its government and citizens. We neither advocate nor oppose membership.

The fight against organized crime and high-level corruption has been one of Montenegro's main challenges for years. How does the United States assess the results so far and where do they see the greatest weaknesses in the system?

We see Montenegro as an excellent partner in the fight against organized crime and corruption. We congratulate you on your efforts so far, which have led to your being listed among the countries making progress in the report prepared in accordance with the Law on Suppression of Global Corruption, and we look forward to seeing even more concrete results. Greater efficiency and measurable progress will strengthen the arguments for providing additional support to the Montenegrin judiciary and police. Also, visible progress in strengthening the rule of law will make Montenegro more attractive to American companies and investors.

Almost six years after the change of government, there are few final verdicts in Montenegro against the so-called “big fish.” Is the problem with the prosecution, the judiciary, the police, political will - or all of these together?

I am not sure what exactly is meant by the phrase “big fish” and I do not want to speculate. In such cases, success often depends on institutional capacity, political will, or both. The Balkans have long struggled with a reputation for crime and corruption, whether justified or not. Regardless of how this perception arose, it persists, and it is up to the countries of the region to show that it no longer reflects reality. At the same time, we are aware that Montenegro is considered the most advanced country in the Western Balkans, on the path to membership in the European Union. Washington sees Montenegro as a stable and reliable partner that clearly does many things right. We want Montenegro to succeed - for its own benefit, for our bilateral relations, and for Europe as a whole.

"The Montenegrin Army has earned an exceptional reputation within NATO. It may be small in number, but it is highly capable and achieves results that exceed its size. The citizens of Montenegro have reason to be proud of their army," said Keys.

Are Montenegrin drug cartels and organized crime groups still a threat on a regional and international scale? Is Montenegro closer to dismantling them today, or are they still one step ahead of the state?

Our assessment is that transnational criminal organizations continue to operate in and outside Montenegro. We believe that the Government of Montenegro is committed to disrupting and disrupting them, and the United States intends to continue to support those efforts. These criminal organizations pose a threat to the interests of Montenegro, as well as to the interests of the United States and our allies. Ultimately, the law-abiding citizens of Montenegro should not suffer because a small number of criminals tarnish their country’s reputation. Montenegro has a rich history and significant potential. Criminal networks must be dismantled through the consistent application of the rule of law so that the country can achieve the future its citizens deserve.

Can the Montenegrin public soon expect that Montenegrin citizens associated with organized crime, drug cartels, or their helpers in institutions will be on American sanctions lists?

If our government assesses that there are grounds for imposing sanctions or other restrictive measures, we can apply them. I would like to remind you that in September 2025, the State Department publicly announced the introduction of visa restrictions on the former mayor of Budva and a member of parliament. Milo Božović, as well as the former President of the Supreme Court of Montenegro Vesni Medenici, pursuant to Section 7031(c) of the State Department's Foreign Operations and Related Programs Act, for their involvement in significant corruption that facilitated the drug trade. The United States will reaffirm and consistently enforce the Monroe Doctrine to preserve America's leading role in the Western Hemisphere. President Trump's administration is seriously committed to implementing the Trump Corollary and has made clear its commitment to protecting American interests in the Western Hemisphere. This means that we will expect Montenegro to do more to prevent its citizens from participating in the trafficking of drugs from Latin America to Europe. Such drug trafficking strengthens transnational criminal organizations, encourages high-level corruption, and empowers organized crime groups. We stand ready to support and work with Montenegro in countering these threats, which threaten both our countries.

To what extent, according to the US, have criminal groups infiltrated the police, security sector, judiciary and politics? Do you see any real progress in breaking those ties?

I would not go into that level of detail, but this question highlights the importance of effective integrity checks in the judiciary and law enforcement institutions. Those entrusted with protecting the law should not be breaking it. Societies where corruption has been tolerated for decades cannot change overnight, but illegal behavior cannot be justified indefinitely. Most people follow the rules. Those who do not should change their behavior or face the consequences. Public officials must set an example for others.

Is the coalition "For the Future of Montenegro", or the former Democratic Front, a partner of Washington today? If so, what has changed - their policy or the American assessment?

It is not for me to make such assessments. The foreign policy of the Trump administration is based on the principle of “America First.” We respect the sovereignty of other countries and expect the same in return. At the same time, we will continue to protect American citizens and defend the interests of the United States.

How do you comment on the statements of former President Milo Đukanović that Western embassies in Montenegro, primarily the US Embassy, ​​acted as "useful idiots of Russia" because, in his opinion, they helped processes that strengthened pro-Russian and pro-Serbian structures?

I have not seen those statements, but as someone who has served in Russia twice, under both Republican and Democratic administrations, I am confident that Russia is not manipulating us. I would encourage Montenegro to focus less on Serbia and Russia and more on reforms that will attract Western investment and further solidify its place as part of the West.

Did the US administration underestimate the influence of Serbia and Russia in Montenegro after 2020? How do you view the concept of the “Serbian world” today in relation to the stability of Montenegro and the region?

I would encourage the citizens of Montenegro to worry less about Serbia and Russia and more about reforms that will secure Montenegro's future and attract Western investment. Montenegro has friends in the West it can count on, including the United States, and its future will depend less on external actors and more on the decisions made by its citizens. Time is working in Montenegro's favor, but the time to act is now.

How many Montenegrin citizens have been deported from the United States since the Trump administration's stricter anti-immigration policies began to be implemented? Does the Embassy have data on how many are currently in the deportation process?

The US Embassy in Montenegro does not have this information. You can contact the US Department of Homeland Security.

The Trump administration’s national security strategy, released late last year, has raised concerns among traditional American allies. The document strongly emphasizes bilateral agreements and economic nationalism, while multilateralism and democracy promotion are relegated to the background. Does this signal a permanent shift in the approach to American foreign policy? How would you explain this strategy to European partners who see it as a break with American foreign policy to date?

The National Security Strategy represents a return to American foreign policy focused on protecting America's core national interests. It clearly states that one of America's core national interests is to support allies in preserving the freedom and security of Europe, while restoring European civilizational self-confidence and Western identity. As Secretary of State Blond said at this year's Munich Security Conference: "Under President Trump, the United States of America will once again take up the task of rebuilding and recovery, guided by a vision of a future that is as proud, sovereign, and strong as our civilization's past. And while we are prepared, if necessary, to do it alone, it is our preference and hope to do it together with you, our friends here in Europe."

Is there any political leader or political group in Montenegro today that Washington has serious reservations about when it comes to their commitment to NATO, European integration, and Western values? Does the United States believe that Montenegro's political stability is greater or weaker today than it was five years ago?

I see great untapped potential waiting to be realized. This requires vision, decisive leadership, and a willingness to avoid returning to past patterns that could slow down the country's development. Since arriving in Montenegro, I have traveled throughout the country, and the young people I have met give me true hope. I am convinced that Montenegro has a bright future.

To what extent are the DEA, FBI and other US agencies operationally involved in investigations of organised crime in Montenegro today? Is their role greater than it was a few years ago? Are US agencies satisfied with the level of cooperation with the Montenegrin security sector, or are there still serious problems with information leaks and organised crime infiltration into institutions?

For President Trump’s administration, dismantling transnational criminal organizations and combating high-level corruption are priorities. Due to its connections to drug trafficking routes from South America, Montenegro is likely to attract more attention than it has in the past. The US Department of Justice (DOJ), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) are actively cooperating with Montenegrin judicial institutions and are pleased with the work they are doing. Greater judicial efficiency and concrete results achieved will be accompanied by greater support. While the reforms that Montenegro is implementing within the framework of the European integration process represent an important signal, the key challenge remains the sustainable strengthening of the rule of law and the ability to stay one step ahead of increasingly sophisticated criminal networks. This goal is entirely achievable for Montenegro.

Can we expect further international operations like Operation "General", targeting the top criminal organizations from Montenegro, including their financial networks and assets abroad?

I am not familiar with the details of that operation and therefore would not comment on it. But I believe that operations such as the one you described are possible and should be expected, especially as Montenegro's allies, partners and friends witness increasing results. Success usually leads to more success. Time waits for nothing, and the moment to act is now.

There are opportunities to expand defense cooperation

What projects and investments in Montenegro are of particular interest to the United States? Are energy, infrastructure, digital security, and defense cooperation areas where a greater US presence can be expected?

If a country wants to attract quality American investment and the engagement of American companies, it needs to create a favorable business environment and present its advantages. We believe that there are significant opportunities in Montenegro, especially in the areas you mentioned. Montenegro’s strategic location, its energy resources, and its stable environment make it attractive to American companies. This is one of the reasons why we are negotiating an intergovernmental agreement that would enable the expansion of economic cooperation. Such an agreement would be a clear indication that Montenegro is open to American companies and investment. American companies bring innovation, encourage competition and transparency, and have a proven ability to turn successful results into even greater successes. There are also opportunities to expand defense cooperation through the Foreign Military Sales program, as well as through training and education. The Montenegrin military has earned an exceptional reputation within NATO. It may be small in number, but it is highly capable and achieves results that exceed its size. The citizens of Montenegro have reason to be proud of their military.

It would be a shame if voices from outside the country were to incite division...

How do you assess the state of media freedom in Montenegro? Has the country progressed or regressed in recent years?

The United States supports freedom of expression and the right of every individual to seek, receive, and impart information of all kinds, regardless of frontiers. In Montenegro, a wide range of views appear to be openly discussed and citizens freely express their opinions. There are media outlets operating outside of Montenegro, and this should be monitored closely. It would be a shame if voices from outside the country were to fuel divisions that need not exist here. Citizens should seek information from a variety of sources, using their own judgment and common sense. No one, including journalists, should be subjected to intimidation or violence for exercising their right to freedom of expression. If journalists are subjected to threats, they should be responded to in accordance with the law, with full respect for freedom of expression and public safety.