Montenegro 20 Years Independence, EU Bid

Montenegro is celebrating 20 years of independence from its union with Serbia, marking a significant transformation that has seen the country join NATO in 2017. President Jakov Milatović is confident that Montenegro will achieve its next milestone of full integration into the European Union by 2028, a goal symbolized by the motto '28 by 28'. While public support for EU membership is high, Montenegro still faces challenges in democratic and economic reforms, and in strengthening state institutions. The country's independence in 2006 was a divisive decision, given its historical ties with Serbia. The independence drive was led by Milo Đukanović, who also steered Montenegro away from Russia. Montenegro is considered a front-runner among Western Balkan nations for EU membership, with the European Union having formed a working group to draft an accession treaty.