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Serbia Blocks Montenegro EU Bid, Skips 20th Independence Celebration

5/22/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Serbia is believed to be working to delay Montenegro’s EU accession to keep the country within its political sphere.
Montenegro marked its 20th independence anniversary on May 21, 2026, with a 2023 census showing 41 % Montenegrins and 33 % Serbs.
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic rejected the anniversary invitation, saying attending would be “spitting in the face of himself and his people.”

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Story summary

Serbia is believed to be working to delay Montenegro’s EU accession to keep the country within its political sphere.
Montenegro marked its 20th independence anniversary on May 21, 2026, with a 2023 census showing 41 % Montenegrins and 33 % Serbs.
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic rejected the anniversary invitation, saying attending would be “spitting in the face of himself and his people.”