Relations between Montenegro and Croatia over the past four decades have gone through several phases, from the conflict period of the early 1990s and the attack on Dubrovnik, to gradual normalization, official apologies, and the establishment of diplomatic relations after Montenegro’s independence in 2006. In the years that followed, cooperation strengthened, particularly through Croatia’s support for Montenegro’s EU and NATO integration.

Despite this progress, some historical issues and political developments have continued to affect bilateral relations. The report highlights how unresolved historical legacies and bilateral issues can periodically influence relations between neighboring states and intersect with the EU enlargement process. It emphasizes the importance of addressing such issues through dialogue and cooperation, in line with the EU’s principle of good unneighborly relations.

Author
Dragan Koprivica, Executive Director of the Center for Democratic Transition, Montenegro and Sanja Despot, Editor-in-Chief of Faktograf, Croatia