EUPopLink Country report - Montenegro

This country report examines the relationship between populism and Euroscepticism in Montenegro within the framework of the EUPopLink COST Action. It situates Montenegro as a frontrunner in the EU accession process among Western Balkan countries, characterized by sustained pro-European consensus but increasing political fragmentation and institutional instability. The report identifies key populist actors, including the New Serb Democracy (NSD), Democratic People's Party (DNP), Democratic Montenegro (Demokrate), United Reform Action (URA), Europe Now! (PES), and the Democratic Party of Socialists (DPS), and analyses their ideological profiles and positions toward the European Union. The findings indicate that Euroscepticism in Montenegro is predominantly soft, instrumental, and discursive rather than ideological or programmatic. While identity-based narratives are evident among right-wing actors such as NSD and DNP, other parties employ valence or technocratic populism, using the EU as a benchmark for governance reform or as a rhetorical tool in domestic political competition. Despite growing criticism of EU conditionality and perceived inconsistency, no major political actor advocates withdrawal from the EU integration process. The report further demonstrates that responses to Euroscepticism rely on a combination of institutional reforms, particularly in the rule of law, media governance, and anti-corruption measures, alongside strategic communication of EU benefits. Overall, populist Euroscepticism in Montenegro remains limited in its capacity to shape policy direction, functioning primarily as a mechanism of political contestation rather than a transformative force.