Jakov Milatović: Montenegro’s Youngest President
At just 36 years old, Jakov Milatović made history by becoming Montenegro’s youngest-ever president after his election victory in May of last year. He secured a remarkable majority by campaigning on a strong pro-European Union (EU) platform. With a background as an economist and experience as the former Minister of Economic Development, Milatović has positioned himself as a leader who seeks to harmonize Montenegro’s aspirations for EU integration with a desire for closer ties with Serbia.
Despite his intention to foster relationships with Serbia, Milatović maintains a firm stance on crucial issues, particularly regarding the recognition of Kosovo. While Serbia has yet to acknowledge Kosovo’s independence and shows little indication of doing so, Montenegro has formally recognized it, and Milatović is committed to upholding that decision.
In an insightful conversation with Euronews, Milatović recognized the challenges that lie ahead on Montenegro’s path to EU membership. He humorously noted, “If there were no challenges, we would already be part of the EU.” The hurdles Montenegro faces are extensive, encompassing a range of reforms necessary across various sectors. Key areas include the judicial system, ensuring freedom of expression, and implementing effective measures against corruption.
Milatović emphasizes that addressing these issues is not only integral to the EU accession process but also crucial for Montenegro’s national interests. He asserts that resolving these challenges is even more vital than securing EU funding, which, while important, serves primarily as a “key anchor” that keeps policymakers focused on the reform agenda.
The reform agenda, as Milatović envisions it, promises to catalyze a “transformative process” within the country. He firmly believes that such changes will ultimately benefit the citizens of Montenegro, fostering a society characterized by a clear rule of law, effective governance, and zero tolerance for corruption.
While acknowledging the setbacks Montenegro has faced on this journey—such as ongoing attacks on journalists and the need for greater independence for the country’s public broadcaster—Milatović remains optimistic. He vows to address these issues head-on and bring about the necessary changes.
Milatović also shared some encouraging news regarding Montenegro’s aspirations for EU membership. He stated, “There is a new momentum in Brussels, as well as in other capitals of the member states, regarding enlargement.” This shift in perspective comes in the wake of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, which has prompted the EU to recognize that its enlargement policy is also a matter of ensuring the security of the European continent.
You can watch the full interview next Thursday (12 December) on the new edition of The Global Conversation.
