Montenegro’s EU Accession: A Test for Western Balkan Stability

Šarkić, who served in Brussels from 2016 to 2020, characterizes the current climate as a "now or never" moment for the region. He suggests that if Montenegro—a nation that has consistently met EU requirements—is denied entry, it will validate regional eurosceptics who claim the bloc is in terminal decline. According to the veteran diplomat, such a rejection provides fertile ground for Russian influence, as local media narratives increasingly highlight EU internal instability to discourage integration.

The geopolitical landscape has shifted significantly since Croatia joined the bloc in 2013. While the migration crisis and democratic backsliding in countries like Serbia and Georgia stalled previous momentum, the 2022 invasion of Ukraine forced a reevaluation of security priorities. Despite this, Šarkić recalls his tenure marked by institutional inertia, where top EU officials frequently advised him to abandon hopes of near-term membership. While Brussels remained hesitant, he notes that Moscow has remained highly active in expanding its regional footprint, turning the question of enlargement into an urgent matter of European security.