The leader of the Democratic People’s Party (DNP), Milan Knežević, has once again announced the launch of an initiative aimed at “revoking” Montenegro’s recognition of Kosovo’s independence, beginning at the local level before attempting to move it to the national stage.
The DNP is widely known as a pro-Serbian and pro-Russian political party in Montenegro.
According to Knežević, who until recently was part of Montenegro’s governing coalition, the process is expected to begin on May 12, when the Municipal Assembly of Zeta — a municipality that gained official status in 2022 — is expected to approve a symbolic decision calling for the “derecognition” of Kosovo.
Authorities in Zeta have repeatedly attempted to pass resolutions and declarations against Kosovo’s independence, despite having no legal authority over Montenegro’s official foreign policy.
Knežević also expressed expectations that other municipalities with Serb-majority populations could follow the same path, including possible efforts in Podgorica.
In addition, he announced that he will submit an official declaration to the Parliament of Montenegro, calling on the Montenegrin government to withdraw its recognition of Kosovo.
The development comes amid ongoing political divisions in Montenegro between pro-European and Euro-Atlantic forces on one side, and political groups advocating closer ties with Serbia and Russia on the other.
Montenegro officially recognized Kosovo’s independence on October 9, 2008.
