The EU's multi-layered identity can ease divisions in Montenegro

Several German newspapers are writing about Montenegro on the occasion of 20 years of independence: while some highlight its progress towards the European Union, others point to internal political and identity tensions.

Twenty years after the restoration of independence, Montenegro, as it completes its path towards the EU, finds itself once again at the center of historical processes, writes Jakov Devčić, director of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation's office for Serbia and Montenegro, in a guest commentary for the Munich portal Merkur.de.

Independence, Devčić writes, is like democratic coexistence – not an end point, but an ongoing process. “And that process is now inevitably leading Montenegro into a new phase – towards a European future that does not contradict ethnic, religious or national identities, but rather complements and expands them.”

More than a political project

"The European Union is much more than a single market or an alliance of states - it is also a space of shared values, shared responsibilities and a common identity," Devčić writes for Merkur.de, adding that EU membership for Montenegro does not only mean geopolitical positioning, but also an expansion of identity.

"The European identity aspect is demonstrated quite concretely in everyday life - for example, when students from Montenegro study in Berlin, Rome or Paris under programmes such as Erasmus+ and make lifelong friends there. It is also demonstrated in the fact that young entrepreneurs gain access to European markets, funds and networks. It also becomes visible through common standards in the areas of environmental protection, consumer protection or labour rights, which improve the quality of life of all citizens. Through such experiences, each individual develops a sense of belonging to the wider European community, which over time becomes part of their identity. This additional identity opens up new perspectives, facilitates cross-border cooperation and creates a framework in which differences are not seen as a threat, but as an asset", says Devčić.

"Young people in Montenegro are already growing up in a reality that is more European than ever before – through education, exchange programs, digital networking, and shared social challenges," Devčić writes, adding: "This generation experiences European belonging as part of their everyday lives. They do not think in terms of 'either-or', but 'both-and': Montenegrin and European."

Therein lies a great opportunity, the text continues: "Such a multi-layered identity can mitigate existing divisions and contribute to greater openness, broader dialogue and stronger social cohesion within Montenegro. European identity shifts the focus from what divides to what connects. It is precisely this multidimensionality of identity that represents strength and opportunity," points out the director of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation office for Serbia and Montenegro, Jakov Devčić, in a guest commentary for the Munich-based Merkur.de.

The little brother overtakes the big one

Montenegro could join the European Union as early as 2028. Serbia under Vučić is increasingly falling into the background. The little brother is overtaking the big one, writes the Frankfurter Rundschau newspaper.

"Even before the state anniversary of its neighbor, the biggest Serbian grump is once again acting as the mood-spoiler on duty," writes journalist Thomas Roser for the Frankfurter Zeitung. He recalls Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić's statement that by attending the celebration of the 20th anniversary of Montenegro's "separation from Serbia," he would be "spitting in the face" of his own people.

The German journalist recalls that Montenegro and Serbia were connected by state ties, from a kingdom to a state union, and adds that the two countries developed differently after Montenegro declared its independence: "Montenegro, once notorious as an Eldorado for the mafia and smuggling, has developed into the most likely candidate for EU membership. Serbia, which has been led by an increasingly authoritarian government since the national-populist SNS came to power in 2012, has turned into a problematic case for the EU."

Not only because of shortcomings in the rule of law and democracy, but also because of his refusal to impose EU sanctions against Russia, Vučić has led Serbia to the margins of the European path, writes the author for the Frankfurter Rundschau. "Montenegro has meanwhile, not only in terms of the corruption index or media freedom, transformed from a problem child into a seemingly model candidate in the EU waiting room. The Adriatic country has drastically reduced its national debt and budget deficit. And the global political moment could play into Montenegro's EU membership ambitions."

Montenegro is again at a historical turning point

Berliner Zeitung publishes an article by Montenegrin writer Ilija Đurović as part of its Open Source format – a platform for contributions from independent authors. In the article titled “Twenty Years of Independence: Montenegro between EU Accession and Old Conflicts”, the author writes that twenty years after the referendum, Montenegro is once again at a historical turning point. The path to independence, he assesses, was long, complex and closely linked to the wars that accompanied the collapse of the Yugoslav federation.

Montenegro looks different today than it did twenty years ago, but political divisions have not disappeared, the analysis points out. "That is why the political debate in the country often revolves around issues of identity, relations with Serbia, the Serbian Orthodox Church and the interpretation of Montenegrin statehood. However, the latest research shows that 75 percent of citizens currently support the independence of Montenegro, or 20 percent more than at the time of the independence referendum. At the same time, European integration remains one of the few topics on which there is broad political consensus."

The path to Brussels, however, remains uncertain, the text continues. "On the one hand, Montenegro seems to be profiting from the fact that the EU, faced with the debilitating war in Ukraine and complicated relations with the US, wants to expand its political influence in the Balkans. On the other hand, enlargement fatigue within the EU is clearly visible, and many member states are not ready to accept new countries."

Euroscepticism is growing even in the most influential EU states. The economic standard of the richest member states is declining, while war rhetoric and armaments are increasing, the author writes for the Berliner Zeitung and concludes: "Nevertheless, for a small country like Montenegro, located between the influences of East and West, it seems crucial to become part of the EU, even if Europe itself seems less and less secure. Twenty years after the restoration of independence, Montenegro still exists and is within reach of the long-dreamed-of EU membership. It remains open whether the EU will still exist in twenty years or whether Montenegro will once again be forced to strategically maneuver between the great powers."