Republican and Democratic congress members have introduced a resolution calling on U.S. President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio to support Montenegro’s accession to the European Union, RFE reported.

“We call on the President and the Secretary of State to work closely with the government of Montenegro,” states the draft resolution, to which RFE had access.

The resolution was prepared by Republican Congressman Mike Turner and Democrat Shelley Pingree.

In mid-July, the draft resolution was sent for consideration to the House Foreign Affairs Committee.

Former Montenegrin Foreign Minister and Ambassador to the U.S. Srdjan Darmanović stated that support for the resolution is logical for two reasons: Montenegro is a NATO ally, and the U.S. supports the alliance’s enlargement policy.

“Everything coming from Washington—regardless of which administration is in power—is always important for European affairs. Although the U.S. has no direct influence on EU enlargement issues, this policy has not changed,” he noted.

Darmanović emphasized that the two sponsors are “proven friends of Montenegro.” As Foreign Minister in 2018, he awarded Republican Congressman Turner the Presidential Order of the Montenegrin Flag for his support of Montenegro’s NATO accession. The order was presented a year after Montenegro became a member of the alliance.

“Turner was Chairman of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly when I was ambassador in Washington (2010–2016). He is one of the most deserving figures in the U.S. political scene for Montenegro’s entry into NATO,” Darmanović stated.

Democrat Shelley Pingree heads the Montenegrin Caucus in the House of Representatives. She represents the state of Maine. Montenegro has maintained a strategic partnership with this U.S. state since 2006, particularly regarding the adaptation of its army to NATO standards.

“Traditionally, congress members and senators from this state try to support everything related to Montenegro as much as they can and when they can,” Darmanović explained.

Although the Trump administration “does not show particular interest in the Western Balkans,” the resolution “appears to be a bipartisan initiative,” as it is proposed by members from both parties. Darmanović noted that Turner is not aligned with the MAGA (Make America Great Again) movement.

“Regardless of internal disagreements and party affiliation, this is a relatively non-controversial proposal that in no way threatens U.S. interests. On the contrary, I believe the Democratic side will have no issues.”

Special Envoy of President Trump, Richard Grenell, stated at a meeting with Montenegrin Defense Minister Dragan Krapović on September 11 that “the U.S. values Montenegro as a reliable NATO member.”

Grenell also welcomed the results that the Montenegrin government is achieving on the path to European integration.

The draft resolution emphasizes that Podgorica “plays a strategic role in the Alliance’s Balkan mission, despite Russia’s efforts to keep Montenegro out of NATO.”

The text also highlights Montenegro’s support for Ukraine in the war against Russia, which began three and a half years ago. Since the start of the Russian invasion, Montenegro has provided military aid to Ukraine worth over €11 million, accepted the highest percentage of Ukrainian citizens, and implemented European sanctions against Moscow.

The resolution also underscores Montenegro’s progress, with the assistance of U.S. institutions, in combating corruption, transnational organized crime, and hybrid threats.

Congress members call on U.S. authorities to work closely with the Montenegrin government under the Framework for Countering Foreign Manipulation, the State Department mechanism to counter foreign influence that threatens the national security of the U.S. and partner countries.

Particular attention is given to Montenegro’s European integration process. “The U.S. encourages the government and institutions of Montenegro to prioritize necessary reforms and measures for EU membership, as well as efforts to promote peace and prosperity in the Western Balkans,” the proposal states.

Currently, Montenegro has all negotiation chapters open, and the government plans to close them by the end of next year, aiming for EU membership in 2028. To date, just over 20 percent of chapters have been closed.

Montenegro has not had an ambassador in Washington for three and a half years. After the term of the previous ambassador expired in 2021, the country appointed a successor only last year. Currently, there are no lobbyists representing foreign interests in the U.S.

Over the past two decades, from 1995 to 2015, Montenegro maintained a permanent lobbying presence in America, followed by a six-month engagement that ended in May 2023. | BGNES