Montenegro’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has dismissed recent decisions by several municipal assemblies seeking to “withdraw recognition” of Kosovo’s independence, saying such initiatives have no legal effect and risk damaging Montenegro’s international image.
In an exclusive response to Gazeta Express, the ministry stressed that local governments have neither constitutional nor legal authority over foreign policy and cannot adopt acts capable of producing effects under international law.
“With regard to decisions adopted by certain municipal assemblies concerning the recognition of the Republic of Kosovo, we wish to emphasize that local self-government units have neither constitutional nor legal competence in the field of foreign policy, nor are they authorized to adopt acts that produce any effect under international law,” the ministry said.
Podgorica emphasized that foreign policy, including the recognition of states and the establishment of diplomatic relations, falls exclusively within the authority of Montenegro’s state institutions, in accordance with the country’s Constitution and legislation.
The Foreign Ministry called on public officials to respect Montenegro’s constitutional order and the competencies of state institutions, warning that actions by local authorities could create unnecessary political tensions and institutional confusion.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expects all public officials to respect the constitutional order, the competencies of state institutions and Montenegro’s international credibility, and to ensure that their actions contribute to preserving the country’s reputation and advancing its European path, rather than creating unnecessary political tensions and institutional confusion,” the ministry said.
According to the ministry, decisions adopted by individual municipalities cannot alter Montenegro’s international position, change its international obligations or modify the country’s established foreign policy.
“Such decisions constitute political acts without legal effect and can only contribute to creating a misleading perception of the functioning of state institutions and Montenegro’s credibility on the international stage,” the ministry added.
The ministry also reaffirmed Podgorica’s commitment to maintaining strong relations with Kosovo, describing bilateral ties as very good and based on mutual trust, good-neighborly relations and a shared European and Euro-Atlantic perspective.
“Over the years, thanks to intensive political dialogue, Montenegro and Kosovo have developed very good bilateral relations, based on mutual trust, good-neighborly relations and a shared European and Euro-Atlantic perspective,” the ministry said.
It added that Montenegro would continue supporting Kosovo’s participation and membership in international and regional organizations and initiatives.
The campaign against Kosovo’s independence was launched in May 2026 by the Municipality of Zeta and was subsequently followed by the Municipality of Pljevlja.
