Authorities in Montenegro detained and screened around 90 Serbian citizens who arrived on a charter flight from Belgrade to Tivat on Wednesday, triggering reactions from political figures and raising questions about the purpose of the group’s visit ahead of a major international summit.
Montenegrin police confirmed that enhanced security checks are being carried out at Tivat Airport in preparation for the European Union–Western Balkans Summit, scheduled to take place on June 5 in Tivat.
“In this context, a charter flight on the Belgrade–Tivat route was designated for additional checks, with approximately 90 Serbian citizens arriving in Montenegro this morning,” the police said in a statement.
Authorities stated that they are conducting security checks and verifying the purpose of the visitors’ arrival and stay in the country. Police added that restrictive measures would be taken in accordance with the law if legal grounds are established.
Montenegrin police did not immediately respond to reports published by Podgorica-based newspaper Vijesti, which claimed that the passengers were “persons of security interest” and that many allegedly had criminal records.
The operation was welcomed by Tonći Janović, a member of parliament from the ruling Europe Now Movement. Writing on social media platform X, Janović said it was notable that a group of individuals with extensive criminal backgrounds had chosen to arrive in Tivat during the largest international gathering ever hosted by Montenegro, at a time when the highest security measures are in force.
He said the incident demonstrated that hybrid threats and other security challenges are a reality in the modern world, while also showing that Montenegro’s institutions take their responsibilities seriously.
Meanwhile, Serbian authorities have remained silent. Serbian police did not respond to media inquiries regarding reports from several Montenegrin outlets suggesting that some of the individuals may have been tasked with providing unofficial security for Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić during the EU–Western Balkans Summit.
The Serbian Presidency also declined to comment on the allegations.
At the same time, Serbia’s national airline, Air Serbia, did not respond to questions about whether the aircraft involved belonged to the company and who had chartered the flight.
The European Union–Western Balkans Summit will bring together leaders from the EU’s 27 member states and the six Western Balkan countries in Tivat. Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić has confirmed his participation after boycotting the previous summit held in Brussels in December 2025.
This year’s gathering carries particular significance for Montenegro, which is currently considered the Western Balkan country with the most advanced and realistic path toward European Union membership.
Source: Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL)
