Serbia's security agency advised President Aleksandar Vucic not to attend an EU summit in Montenegro due to security threats, including foreign secret service activities and a criminal clan presence. This follows Montenegro's denial of entry to 87 Serbian men and ongoing political tensions between the two nations.
The security warning and ongoing diplomatic tensions highlight the fragility of regional stability in the Western Balkans and could impact the EU's efforts to integrate the region.
Serbia's Security and Information Agency (BIA) has warned President Aleksandar Vucic not to travel to Montenegro for an upcoming summit with European Union and Western Balkan leaders. The agency cited security risks, including hostile activities by foreign secret services and the presence of a criminal clan. This warning comes amid strained relations between Serbia and Montenegro, exacerbated by Montenegro's recent decision to deny entry to 87 Serbian men, whom it deemed a security threat ahead of the summit. The EU summit, which European Council President Antonio Costa stated should find new ways to speed up Western Balkans membership, aims to discuss progress towards EU membership for the region. Tensions between the two nations are linked to Montenegro's recognition of Kosovo, which Serbia does not acknowledge, and Belgrade's perceived influence over Montenegrin domestic politics. Montenegro, a NATO member, has aligned its foreign policy with the EU, including imposing sanctions on Russia, unlike Serbia. Following the border incident, Serbia reportedly implemented stricter controls at its border crossings with Montenegro, leading to long queues.