Resolution of outstanding issues between Croatia, Montenegro essential for completion of EU accession talks

Croatia underscores that the principle of good neighbourly relations is one of the key political criteria in the EU enlargement process and is explicitly stated in the Negotiating Framework for Montenegro, as well as for other candidate countries.
 
The EU has consistently made it clear that it cannot and will not import bilateral disputes. Outstanding issues must therefore be resolved without delay to prevent them from burdening either bilateral relations or the accession process.
 
In an effort to advance bilateral relations and facilitate the resolution of outstanding issues, Croatia renewed its invitation to Montenegro at the end of 2024 to engage in dialogue aimed at addressing all unresolved matters. These issues must be settled so as not to impede the crucial final stage of Montenegro's accession process.
 
Throughout the process, Croatia has demonstrated strategic patience and understanding. However, the time has now come for the Government of Montenegro to take decisive action.
 
Croatia's expectations are clear: resolving the issue of compensation for former detainees of wartime detention camps; continuing efforts to locate the 14 persons still missing from the Homeland War; prosecuting war crimes; resolving outstanding property claims of Croatian families whose property in Montenegro has not been returned and whose court proceedings remain stalled; preserving the memorial plaque at the site of the former Morinj camp and renaming the swimming pool in Kotor; continuing discussions on the maritime boundary; and returning the training ship Jadran.
 
With only a few months remaining until the end of 2026, Croatia once again calls on the Montenegrin side to engage in constructive dialogue and accelerate efforts to resolve all outstanding issues.

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