Montenegro is moving in the right direction in the fight against crime and corruption, remains a reliable NATO ally and has significantly reduced Russian influence, although further efforts are still needed, U.S. ambassadorial nominee Peter McCoy told the U.S. Senate on Wednesday.
Speaking during his confirmation hearing before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, McCoy highlighted what he described as positive changes in Montenegro, particularly following the election of a new president and prime minister in 2023.
“After the election of a new president in 2023 and a new prime minister that same year, I think the country is moving in the right direction and there is a desire to do the right thing,” McCoy said in response to a question from Republican Senator James Risch, the committee chairman.
McCoy identified the fight against corruption and organized crime as one of Montenegro’s most important priorities. He noted that the country’s law-enforcement institutions have approximately 3,300 employees, describing that as a relatively small number of personnel responsible for protecting the country.
“They are good and hardworking people,” McCoy said, adding that Montenegro’s law-enforcement agencies need additional assistance, support and guidance in criminal prosecutions and the fight against corruption.
FBI and DEA assistance could strengthen Montenegro’s efforts
Responding to Democratic Senator Tim Kaine about how he could use his experience to help Montenegro tackle organized crime and corruption, McCoy said additional support from U.S. law-enforcement agencies could be valuable.
He said he would welcome the assistance of several FBI or DEA agents alongside existing programs run through the State Department’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL).
The INL program already supports Montenegro’s efforts to investigate, prosecute and combat transnational organized crime and drug trafficking.
McCoy also said his experience as a former U.S. federal prosecutor and his work with law-enforcement institutions at both the state and federal levels could prove useful if his nomination is confirmed.
Russian influence has declined, but remains a concern
Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen questioned McCoy about Russia’s long-standing efforts to influence Montenegro’s political environment, citing allegations that Russian intelligence services supported an attempted coup in 2016 aimed at preventing the country from joining NATO.
Shaheen asked how the United States could help Montenegro counter Russian disinformation, manipulation and influence operations.
McCoy acknowledged that Russian influence had historically been significant in Montenegro, extending beyond government institutions into society and culture.
However, he praised Montenegro for distancing itself from Moscow, particularly through its decision to join NATO in 2017.
“Russia did everything it could to put pressure on Montenegro, cause problems and discourage it from that path. Montenegro nevertheless stood firm,” McCoy said.
He also pointed to what he described as a substantial decline in Russian financial influence since Montenegro joined the alliance.
“I read that Russian financial influence in Montenegro has decreased by as much as 75 percent since it joined NATO,” McCoy said, adding that Montenegro had also done everything it could to support Ukraine.
At the same time, he warned that Russian influence and other forms of foreign interference would remain an issue.
“There will always be more work to do and attempts at outside influence,” McCoy said, adding that countering such efforts would be one of his priorities if confirmed as ambassador.
U.S.-Montenegro economic cooperation
The hearing also addressed a recently signed U.S.-Montenegro intergovernmental agreement intended to strengthen opportunities for American companies.
Senator Shaheen asked McCoy whether he would commit to representing the interests of all U.S. companies seeking to invest in Montenegro fairly and impartially.
McCoy described the agreement as a significant document that could expand U.S. involvement in Montenegro across sectors including energy, infrastructure, employment and transportation.
He also highlighted the strategic importance of the Adriatic-Ionian corridor, saying that future projects could facilitate flows of investment worth billions of dollars.
“If I am fortunate enough to have my nomination confirmed and come to Montenegro, I believe my experience as a former U.S. federal prosecutor and my cooperation with numerous law-enforcement institutions at both the state and federal levels would be very useful in helping Montenegro,” McCoy said.
