Turkish Airlines and Air Montenegro signed a codeshare agreement on January 26, 2026, to enhance air travel options between Türkiye and Montenegro. The deal will see both airlines placing their codes on flights, expanding routes via Istanbul to destinations including Dubai and Baku, and aiming to strengthen tourism and trade.
Truck drivers from Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, and North Macedonia initiated a coordinated blockade of freight border crossings on January 26, 2026. The protest targets the EU's Entry/Exit System (EES) and the strict enforcement of the 90-day stay rule within the Schengen Area, which drivers claim threatens their livelihoods. The action has caused significant disruptions and an estimated €100 million in daily export losses.
Truck drivers from Montenegro and other Western Balkan nations initiated a 48-hour blockade of freight border crossings on January 26, 2026. The protest targets the EU's Entry/Exit System and stricter enforcement of the 90-day stay rule, which drivers claim severely impacts their livelihoods and the region's supply chains.
Montenegro and the United States observed 120 years of diplomatic relations on January 26, 2026, building on a celebration held in November 2025 in Washington, D.C. The milestone underscores their strategic partnership and ongoing military cooperation, including Montenegro's upcoming role in hosting the Defender Europe 27 Concept Development Conference.
The World Bank has maintained its forecast for Montenegro's economic growth in 2026 at 3.2%, as outlined in its January 2026 Global Economic Prospects report. This projection remains consistent with previous estimates, supported by private consumption, rising wages, and investments, despite vulnerabilities tied to tourism and external financing.
Montenegro aims to conclude all remaining European Union accession negotiations by the end of 2026, with the strategic goal of becoming the 28th member state by 2028. This ambitious timeline is supported by recent progress in closing negotiating chapters and positive assessments from EU officials.
Montenegro has canceled its first renewable energy auction for 250 MW of solar capacity after all four bids were disqualified due to non-compliance with tender requirements. A new auction is slated for Q1 2026, as the nation pushes towards its ambitious green energy targets.
Montenegrin power grid operator CEDIS has initiated a tender for goods under a €36 million power grid automation and refurbishment project. This initiative, backed by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and an EU grant, aims to modernize the electricity distribution system, enhance reliability, reduce losses, and integrate renewable energy sources.
Montenegro's Police Directorate, in a joint effort with the Higher State Prosecutor's Office and the Intelligence and Security Directorate, carried out 'Operation Lugansk' on November 27, 2025. The extensive operation resulted in the arrest of Danko Savić (61) and Dejan Braletić (64) on suspicion of participating in foreign armed formations. Authorities conducted searches across three cities, seizing a significant cache of weapons and foreign insignia.
Slovak Foreign Minister Juraj Blanár declared Montenegro poised to be the next European Union member, advocating for an accelerated accession process. The statement came during a meeting with Montenegrin Deputy Prime Minister Filip Ivanović in Bratislava, highlighting Montenegro's status as a frontrunner in EU integration.
Montenegro's Police Directorate, in collaboration with the Higher State Prosecutor's Office and Ministry of Defense, executed 'Operation Lugansk,' leading to arrests of individuals suspected of participating in foreign armed formations. Searches across three cities yielded numerous weapons, ammunition, and insignia. The operation targets activities contrary to Montenegrin law and international regulations.
Montenegrin Prime Minister Milojko Spajić has announced plans to secure a 32 million euro loan to tackle the critical red mud environmental issue. This initiative comes as Montenegro continues to make significant strides as a leading EU candidate country, aiming for full membership by 2028.
Montenegro anticipates a significant 58% increase in electricity output by 2026, driven by the restart of the Pljevlja thermal power plant after ecological reconstruction and substantial investments in new solar and wind energy projects. This aims to boost energy independence and create a surplus.
Montenegro's Vektra Aviation, currently under bankruptcy administration, has been re-listed for sale with a reduced starting price of 5.17 million euro. This marks a new attempt to sell the company after a previous offering in June at 6.3 million euro failed to attract a buyer. Interested parties must submit bids by December 2.
Montenegro has temporarily suspended visa-free travel for Turkish nationals following anti-Turkish protests and riots in Podgorica. The unrest erupted after a stabbing incident involving a Montenegrin man, initially attributed to Turkish citizens, leading to concerns over ethnic tensions and diplomatic discussions between Türkiye and Montenegro.
A recent survey by CEDEM reveals a nearly 9% decline in public support for Montenegro's NATO membership, with current support at 40.7%. Analysts attribute this shift to persistent pro-Russian and anti-NATO influences within the country's political landscape.
Azerbaijan's U-15 boxing team achieved significant success at the European Championship in Budva, Montenegro, concluding the event with a total of eight medals, including two gold, three silver, and three bronze. The team ranked 6th among 32 participating nations.
Montenegrin broadcaster RTCG has revealed the 15 artists and their songs set to compete in Montesong 2025, the national selection for the Eurovision Song Contest 2026. The final will take place on December 21, 2025, in Podgorica, with the winner determined by a 50/50 split of jury and public votes.
The World Bank has raised its 2025 GDP growth projection for Montenegro to 3.3%, an increase of 0.1 percentage point from its June forecast. This upward revision is attributed to robust private consumption, rising real wages, and sustained investment in infrastructure and renewable energy.
Montenegro's Solar Sign company officially launched a 5 MW solar photovoltaic plant in Bijelo Polje on October 2, 2025. This €4 million investment, located in Zaton village, is the first solar facility in the municipality and the company's fourth in Montenegro, marking a significant step in the nation's green energy transition.
