Full Breakdown
Montenegro Bars 87 Serbian Nationals Ahead of EU-Western Balkans Summit
6/4/2026, 10:32:34 PM
Security Action at Tivat Airport
On 2 June 2026, Montenegrin police and the National Security Agency stopped a charter flight from Belgrade at Tivat Airport, barred 87 Serbian men, and returned them to Serbia. The ban, issued under the Law on Foreigners, will be followed by entry and residence restrictions.
Background: Tivat Summit and Regional Tensions
The EU-Western Balkans Summit in Tivat gathers EU leaders and the six Western Balkan candidates—Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Serbia, Kosovo, North Macedonia and Montenegro—to discuss EU accession. Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, who boycotted the previous summit in Brussels, confirmed his attendance after speaking with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Relations between Serbia and Montenegro remain tense over the 2006 split, Vucic’s support for pro-Serbian parties opposing Montenegro’s NATO membership, and alleged Russian influence.
Key Actors
- Montenegro Police Directorate & National Security Agency – Conducted the airport inspection, supplied intelligence, and issued the entry prohibition.
- Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic – Leader of the Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) whose “Serbia wins” slogan appeared on the banners carried by the detained men.
Data & Statistics
The barred group comprised 87 male passengers; initial checks had targeted about 90 Serbian nationals on the same flight. Passengers displayed “Srbija pobedjuje” (“Serbia Wins”) banners, a long-range communication device and a marine radio. Two buses accompanying the charter were seized.
Official Statements & Responses
Montenegro’s police said operational data and intelligence showed the individuals “would pose a risk for internal and national security.” The Police Directorate described the action as compliant with the Law on Foreigners and emphasized heightened security ahead of the summit. Serbian officials have not issued a formal response.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Following the conducted procedure and the measures and actions undertaken, the Police Directorate issued a decision in accordance with the Law on Foreigners, prohibiting entry into Montenegro for 87 male persons, after which they were returned to the Republic of Serbia on the same flight,” — Montenegro Police Directorate
- “The aircraft has been held on the runway at Tivat Airport while detailed checks are carried out on the passengers and the reasons for their visit, given the heightened security measures ahead of the EU-Western Balkans Summit,” — Montenegro Police Directorate
- “As part of the activities aimed at preserving a stable security environment, the security services identified persons of security interest,” — Montenegro National Security Agency
- “After my conversation with Ursula von der Leyen, I decided to attend the summit in Tivat,” — Aleksandar Vucic
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Both reports agree on the number barred and the security justification. The main gap is the lack of any official Serbian comment, leaving the diplomatic repercussions unclear.
What’s Next
Montenegro will enforce entry and residence bans for the 87 men while the summit proceeds with EU accession discussions. Observers will watch for any statements from Belgrade and possible legal challenges.
