Croatia outlines eight outstanding issues with Montenegro's EU bid
Croatia's demands of Montenegro as a condition for its accession to the European Union are clearly defined and achievable, according to a document Zagreb sent to EU member states and the offices of the President of the European Commission and the President of the European Council.
The document provides a detailed explanation of Croatia's position on Montenegro's accession process and outlines eight already well-known demands that Podgorica should meet to secure Zagreb's approval, CE Report quotes HINA.
These demands are limited in scope, clearly defined and achievable, the document states, emphasizing that Croatia is seeking to resolve them through constructive dialogue.
Croatia is seeking to facilitate Montenegro's accession rather than obstruct it, the text says, adding that tangible progress in addressing these demands would enable Croatia to support the successful conclusion of Montenegro's accession negotiations and, ultimately, the ratification of its Accession Treaty.
The document states that several unresolved issues stemming from Montenegro's participation in military aggression against Croatia need to be addressed.
Croatia genuinely wishes to turn the page on this painful chapter of their shared history and build future-oriented relations with Montenegro. However, mutual trust and genuine, lasting reconciliation cannot be achieved without resolving these issues.
The document notes that several unexpected unilateral moves by the Montenegrin authorities have reignited historical tensions and unnecessarily strained bilateral relations, threatening to weaken broad political support for Montenegro's accession to the EU in Croatia.
Croatia's document identifies eight outstanding issues in its relations with Montenegro. In late 2023, Croatia sent Podgorica a comprehensive non-paper identifying unresolved matters. The document was circulated to all EU member states and the European Commission.
An intensive diplomatic effort followed at Croatia's initiative. Despite these efforts, however, none of the issues has been resolved to date.
Six of the demands relate to Chapter 23, Judiciary and Fundamental Rights, while the remaining two concern Chapter 31, Foreign, Security and Defence Policy.
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