AGP Executive Report

Schengen Shock at Ceuta: Spain says the Ceuta migrant surge is “under control” after about 60,000 crossings from Morocco, with roughly 48,300 returning and at least 67 deaths reported; France and Italy have tightened border checks, and Italy temporarily suspended Schengen rules with Spain for a month as EU leaders scramble for an emergency response. Border Chaos for Balkans Travelers: Croatia-Montenegro queues hit up to 10 hours at the border in sweltering conditions, while Croatia-Serbia crossings also saw major gridlock as the EU’s biometric Entry/Exit System hits its first peak summer. Montenegro in the Spotlight: Montenegro and China marked 20 years of diplomatic ties, with former president Filip Vujanovic praising infrastructure and education cooperation. Regional Media Watch: RSF warns that the planned sale of Adria News Network must not lead to political capture of independent outlets in Serbia and Montenegro. Sports—Montenegro on the Court: FIBA U18 Women’s EuroBasket 2026 rosters are set, with Montenegro drawn in Group C. Work and Wages: Eurostat data keeps Albania at Europe’s lowest minimum wage, while Montenegro is listed above it.

Ceuta Migration Shock: Portugal says it will not suspend Schengen over the Ceuta crisis, but will beef up police patrols on southern land and sea borders as France and Italy tighten checks after tens of thousands crossed from Morocco; Spain says most have returned and reports dozens of deaths. EU Border Pressure: The EU’s biometric Entry/Exit System is hitting peak summer travel hard, with long queues reported at the Croatia–Serbia crossing as temperatures soar. Media Independence Watch: RSF warns that the planned sale of Serbia’s Adria News Network must not lead to political capture of major independent outlets. Montenegro–China Ties: Former Montenegrin president Filip Vujanović highlights 20 years of cooperation with China, calling Belt and Road projects vital for development. Regional Cooperation: Montenegro and Armenia sign an agreement to expand education, science and innovation links. Local Sports: Montenegro is listed among teams in the FIBA U18 Women’s EuroBasket 2026 group stage. Business/Jobs Signal: Montenegro’s telecom operators invested over EUR 71 million in 2025, pointing to continued sector activity.

Ceuta Migrant Crisis: About 60,000 people crossed from Morocco into Spain’s North Africa enclave of Ceuta, with Spain saying roughly 48,300 had returned by Friday evening and the death toll rising to 57–67; many drowned or were crushed while trying to climb the breakwater. EU Border Tensions: France and Italy tightened checks after the surge, with Italy suspending Schengen rules with Spain for one month; Spain condemned “selfish” reactions from some EU states. Portugal’s Position: Prime Minister Luís Montenegro said Portugal won’t suspend Schengen with Spain, but will boost police presence on southern land and maritime borders. Montenegro–China Ties: Former Montenegrin president Filip Vujanović praised 20 years of cooperation with China, highlighting infrastructure and education exchanges. Education & Inclusion in Montenegro: Podgorica and an NGO published a book on why Roma and Egyptian children drop out of primary school, urging stronger safeguards against discrimination. Sports (Montenegro in focus): Montenegro is listed among teams for the FIBA U18 Women’s EuroBasket 2026 in Sweden.

Montenegro-EU and regional ties: Montenegro’s telecom sector kept growing in June, with regulator Ekip reporting 1.49 million mobile users (+3.55% month-on-month), and penetration at 239.05%, led by M:tel (41.71%). Education cooperation: Armenia and Montenegro signed an intergovernmental deal to boost cooperation in education, science and innovation, including Bologna Process alignment, academic mobility and joint research programmes. Roma education push in Podgorica: Podgorica and the NGO Center for Roma Initiatives published a book on why Roma and Egyptian children drop out of primary school, urging stronger safeguards so no child leaves education early and better social integration. Migration pressure near Montenegro’s doorstep: Portugal said it will not suspend Schengen with Spain, but will tighten border checks in the south after the Ceuta crisis, while coordinating with Spanish and Moroccan authorities. EU/Schengen access for visitors: A report on cruise tender ports highlights accessibility problems that can leave some travellers unable to visit places like Kotor, Montenegro.

Montenegro’s AI Push: President Jakov Milatović met local AI experts, urging closer ties between universities, public bodies and the private sector to turn innovation into jobs and growth, with an emphasis on ethical, public-interest governance. Energy & Industry: Prime Minister Luís Montenegro hailed Bondalti’s €76m REPower Chemicals decarbonisation project as a public-private model, saying it will cut CO2 by over 36,000 tonnes and reduce fossil-fuel dependence. EU Integration & Diplomacy: Austria’s S3 presidency set priorities for Western Balkan EU enlargement, energy security, cross-border connectivity and digitalisation, with Montenegro included among the region’s accession partners. Regional Rights Policy: Montenegro’s new menstrual leave law drew attention in the Balkans, with Serbian women’s groups praising the step while noting mixed public reactions. Youth & Civil Society Funding: Montenegro’s Roma youth NGO “Mladi Romi Podgorice” received support for an intercultural journey project, while another funded NGO sparked calls for scrutiny over possible conflicts of interest. Tourism Practicalities: A new report highlights how cruise “tender ports” can be frustrating for people with disabilities, with Montenegro cited as a missed destination when access fails.

EU Accession & Governance: Montenegro’s EU path faces fresh scrutiny as concerns grow over foreign influence, media ownership changes, and disinformation ahead of elections expected in 2027. Energy & Economy: Masdar and state utility EPCG moved a 2GW renewables partnership into execution, signing deals for 150MW of solar (Štedim 115MW, Krupac 35MW) and exploring 400MW+ pumped hydro storage to boost grid flexibility and energy security. Social Policy: Montenegro approved paid menstrual pain leave for women with secondary dysmenorrhea—an issue drawing regional attention and praise from women’s rights groups in Serbia. Tech & Future Jobs: President Jakov Milatović met Montenegro’s AI experts, urging tighter links between universities, public institutions and the private sector to turn innovation into jobs and growth, with clear ethical rules. Sports (Montenegro): In a phygital basketball match, Montenegro’s Dangerous Meridianbet beat Zagrebački mališani NITUI 36-31 after a 19-14 digital stage lead. Tourism: A travel guide highlights Montenegro experiences like the Bay of Kotor boat trips and the San Giovanni Fortress climb above Kotor.

Renewables Push: Masdar and Montenegro’s EPCG moved their 2 GW partnership into action, signing 150 MW of solar deals and exploring 400+ MW of pumped hydro storage, with projects agreed in Tivat. EU Accession & Media Pressure: As Montenegro nears EU accession, warnings are growing about foreign influence, after changes and planned acquisitions in major media outlets sparked fears of disinformation and political interference ahead of 2027 elections. Wildfire Risk for Europe: With Europe on track for its worst wildfire season, France’s Gironde region is seeing evacuations and authorities warn conditions could worsen—an issue that could hit summer travel plans across the region. Heat Death Toll: Germany reported nearly 10,000 heat-related deaths in 2026, with extreme late-June temperatures and chronic illness combining to drive fatalities. Local Governance & Security: Sarajevo Canton unveiled a Bell 412 EPX helicopter and a new helicopter unit, trained across Montenegro, the US and Singapore, to support policing, medical transport, firefighting and rescue. Legal/Justice Spotlight: CHEGA renewed pressure on Interior Minister Luís Neves, demanding urgent parliamentary scrutiny over controversies tied to his PJ leadership. Cross-Border Justice: Azerbaijan extradited a fraud suspect from Montenegro, after cooperation between prosecutors led to his transfer from Tivat.

Montenegro in Focus: Montenegrin telecom operators invested EUR 71.44 million in network development and faster services through 2025, with capital spending topping EUR 798 million over the past decade, according to the regulator Ekip. Energy & Investment: Masdar and EPCG moved their renewables partnership into execution, signing deals for 150MW of solar and exploring over 400MW of pumped hydro storage, with a wider up-to-2GW pipeline aimed at energy security and future exports. Justice & Security: Montenegro extradited an internationally wanted Azerbaijani fraud suspect, after negotiations following his detention in Tivat, underscoring Montenegro’s role as a “reliable partner.” Sports: Montenegro’s U-18 handball campaign continues in Serbia, with strength-and-conditioning coach Waleed Al-Enezi expanding his international reputation. Regional EU Politics: Germany’s Friedrich Merz urged faster EU enlargement and said Montenegro should join before the end of the decade.

EU Enlargement Push: German Chancellor Friedrich Merz urged the EU to move faster on Western Balkans accession, saying Montenegro should join by the end of the decade. Energy Transition: CGES signed a €25m AFD-backed loan to modernise the Perućica and Pljevlja 2 substations, boosting grid capacity for hydropower and supporting the shift away from coal. Renewables Investment: Masdar and EPCG advanced a major renewables plan, including 150 MW of solar and pumped-storage development talks, as Montenegro targets more green power and export potential. Private Sector Digital Drive: A new report argues Western Balkans digital transformation needs tech-driven ecosystems and stronger private-sector involvement to help reverse brain drain. Procurement Pressure: An electrical engineering association warned record metal prices are disrupting power plant maintenance and called for urgent changes to public procurement rules. Media Access Row: The EU said Serbia and Montenegro are breaching candidate standards by blocking journalists’ entry, escalating a reciprocal media dispute. Tourism & Culture: Montenegro-backed film production “15 and a Half” earned a special mention at Croatia’s Cinehill Film Festival, highlighting regional creative ties. Local Life: Montenegro approved paid leave for menstrual pain sufferers.

EU Accession Watch: The EU says Serbia and Montenegro are breaching EU membership standards by blocking journalists’ entry, after reciprocal bans followed Montenegro’s move against Informer editor Dragan Vučićević; Brussels warns restrictions on media work are incompatible with EU values. EU Talks Blocked: Croatia has blocked a step in Montenegro’s EU accession talks, demanding action on six unresolved issues and preventing Montenegro from closing the foreign, security and defence chapter. Visa Policy Shift: Montenegro is extending visa-free entry for Turkish citizens until Oct. 31, while introducing visas from Nov. 1 for Russians, Belarusians, Chinese, Saudi and Turkish citizens, with applications handled via partner visa centres. Energy Deal: Masdar and EPCG signed agreements for 150MW of solar and pumped-hydro storage over 400MW, part of a wider push toward up to 2GW renewables. Health Rights: Montenegro’s parliament adopted paid “menstrual leave” of two days per month for women with secondary dysmenorrhea linked to serious conditions. Transport Dispute: EasyJet apologized after passengers accused it of leaving travellers stranded at Tivat Airport without food or water for more than 24 hours. Regional Context: SPC reports Patriarch Porfirije in Montenegro for the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Vučji Do.

EU Media Freedom: The European Commission has warned that reciprocal entry bans on journalists between Serbia and Montenegro clash with EU values, saying it will keep monitoring after Montenegrin reporters were reportedly denied entry to Serbia. Visa Rules Shift: Montenegro will end visa-free entry for Russians, Belarusians, Turks, Chinese and Saudi citizens from Nov 1, 2026, aligning with EU standards; applications will be handled via VFS Global and Podgorica plans an e-visa system, with a visa center planned in Armenia. Energy Investment: Masdar and EPCG have moved into execution with agreements for 150MW of solar and a framework to develop 400MW+ pumped hydro storage, targeting up to 2GW renewables in Montenegro. Telecom Upgrade: Crnogorski Telekom launched new 5G prepaid and eSIM bundles for summer, including regional roaming allowances across the Western Balkans and Croatia. EU Accession Support: Luxembourg reaffirmed backing for Montenegro’s EU path during talks in Podgorica, praising progress on rule of law and judicial reform. Local Life & Safety: A wildfire in Portugal’s Guarda district intensified again, with elderly residents moved to a village church as firefighters battled multiple fronts.

Visa Policy Shift: Montenegro will end visa-free entry for Russians and Belarusians from November 1, requiring visas for citizens of Belarus, China, Russia, Saudi Arabia and Turkey, while keeping exemptions for people already holding EU/Schengen or other major-country visas. EU Accession Context: Podgorica says the move aligns its rules with EU norms and supports its 2028 EU membership push. Local Justice: In Podgorica, cardiologist Vladimir Peruničić was fined EUR 400 after a higher court overturned an acquittal over insulting messages sent to an RTV Podgorica journalist. Regulator Update: Montenegro’s telecom regulator EKIP removed Marija Konjevic as director and named Elvis Babacic as acting director. Regional Watch: A European growth-plan review says only Montenegro, Albania and North Macedonia have secured more than one reform-linked payment, highlighting uneven progress across the Western Balkans. Transport Disruption: Reports from the region also flag travel chaos abroad, including easyJet passenger complaints tied to Montenegro’s Tivat Airport.

Montenegro EU track: Montenegro is still seen as the best-prepared Western Balkan candidate, with hopes to close accession talks by end-2026 and join in 2028, but analysts stress reforms must translate into real results, not just deadlines. Infrastructure & energy: Albania–Montenegro Milot-Balldren highway costs are being defended by Minister Enea Karakaçi, who says the €364.7M 35-year concession covers far more than length, including tunnels, bridges, interchanges, maintenance, monitoring and tolling. Telecom shake-up: Montenegro’s telecom regulator EKIP removed Marija Konjevic as director and named Elvis Babacic acting director for up to three months. Justice & media: The High Misdemeanour Court fined cardiologist Vladimir Peruničić €400 for insulting an RTV Podgorica journalist. Security & defense: Montenegro ordered about 6,500 small arms from Czechia, including CZ BREN 3 rifles and ammunition. Regional EU funding: A Western Balkans growth plan review shows only Montenegro, Albania and North Macedonia have secured more than one reform-linked payment so far. Culture spotlight: Cinehill’s 2026 partner spotlight included Montenegro, with local director Milivoj Obradović earning a special mention.

EU Accession Outlook: An Irish presidency analysis says Montenegro is the best-prepared Western Balkan candidate and could close EU talks by year-end, with membership possible in the next few years. Instant Payments: Bosnia’s central bank governor says its instant-payment system will move money between accounts in seconds, 24/7, from July 20. Montenegro in the Spotlight: Montenegro ordered about 6,500 units of Czech small arms, including CZ BREN 3 rifles, in a €24.2m deal. Court & Crime: Montenegro’s Higher Court in Podgorica sentenced fugitive Kavač clan leader Radoje Zvicer to 40 years in absentia, with multiple co-defendants also receiving long terms. Travel Disruption: Reports say EasyJet passengers at Tivat Airport faced 24+ hours of delays without food or water, with overcrowding blamed for collapses. Regional Economy: EU data shows Montenegro’s public debt rose again, reaching 63.5% of GDP in 2025. Sports & Culture: Greece’s PM congratulated its water polo team after a historic World Cup final win; Hilandar Monastery held an all-night vigil for the Three-Handed Icon feast.

Montenegro EU path: Montenegro’s research and innovation community says EU accession would help, but only if the country prepares strong projects, secures co-financing, and keeps reforms consistent. Defense & security: Montenegro has ordered about 6,500 small arms from Czechia, including CZ BREN 3 rifles and ammunition, as both governments flag further joint projects. Courts & organized crime: Montenegro’s Higher Court in Podgorica sentenced fugitive Kavač clan leader Radoje Zvicer to 40 years in absentia, with other members receiving terms up to 20 years. Interior ministry controversy: CHEGA announced it will push a parliamentary inquiry into Interior Minister Luís Neves’ years leading the Judicial Police, amid claims linked to a seized “drugs trailer.” Travel disruption hitting Montenegro: An EasyJet passenger alleges passengers at Tivat Airport were left without food or water and forced to sleep outside after a 24+ hour delay. Regional context: Montenegro’s visa-free access for Belarusian citizens runs until Oct. 31, 2026, aligning with EU-style visa rules. Sports (Montenegro link): Budućnost’s exit from UEFA Women’s Champions League qualifiers was noted after Neftchi beat Montenegro’s club en route to the next stage.

Montenegro-EU push: Montenegro’s research community says EU accession could boost the country’s science and innovation, but only if the government prepares strong projects, secures co-financing, and keeps reforms consistent ahead of a possible 2028 entry. Public finance: New European Commission data shows Montenegro’s public debt rose again after earlier declines, reaching 63.5% of GDP in 2025—the highest in the region—while the EU expects further improvement in 2026-27. Security & justice: Montenegro’s Higher Court in Podgorica sentenced fugitive Kavač clan leader Radoje Zvicer to 40 years in absentia, alongside long terms for other defendants, with the case linked to communications via the Sky app. Interior politics: Prime Minister Luís Montenegro is reportedly delaying any government reshuffle until after summer as pressure mounts on Interior Minister Luís Neves. Cross-border crime: A Montenegrin national wanted internationally for drug trafficking was arrested in Luxembourg through ENFAST cooperation. Travel & visas: Montenegro will allow Belarusian citizens visa-free entry until Oct. 31, 2026, for up to 30 days. Defense procurement: Montenegro ordered about 6,500 small arms from Czechia, including CZ BREN 3 rifles and ammunition.