Vatroslav Belan, one of the leaders of the European Alliance (Evropski savez), delivered a scathing critique of the recent decision by the Zeta Municipality to “withdraw recognition” of Kosovo. Speaking on the show Na kraju dana (At the End of the Day) on May 12, 2026, Belan characterized the move as a “dark, meaningless mantra” that serves only to delude the public.
Belan argued that the political ideology represented by Milan Knežević (leader of the DNP) and Andrija Mandić (Speaker of the Parliament) is historically destined for defeat, much like the original Battle of Kosovo they frequently invoke.
Key Highlights from Belan’s Critique
1. The “Institutional Battle” as a Predestined Defeat
Belan noted the irony in Knežević’s use of the term “Institutional Battle of Kosovo” (institucionalni boj na Kosovu).
- The Analogy: He remarked that in Serbian epic tradition, the Battle of Kosovo is synonymous with defeat.
- The Prediction: “Whenever people like Milan Knežević and that ideological matrix have started any kind of ‘battle,’ fortunately, they have suffered defeat. It is better for him to ‘hit his head against the wall’ as soon as possible so that we can move on to progressive topics.”
2. Directed from “Andrićev Venac”
Belan dismissed the idea of a genuine rift between Mandić and Knežević, claiming their actions are orchestrated from a single center of power.
- The Source: He identified the source of this direction as Andrićev Venac (the seat of the President of Serbia in Belgrade) and the Serbian Orthodox Church (SPC).
- The Strategy: He warned that regardless of their public posturing, if given the chance to form a government, these forces would always choose the “flavor of Belgrade” over liberal-democratic, European values.
3. The “Monty Python” Politics of Zeta
The move by the Municipality of Zeta to symbolically de-recognize Kosovo was described by Belan as “Monty Python-esque” and worthy of “comic political annals.”
- The Paradox: Belan pointed out the absurdity of such local decisions occurring while Montenegro is officially labeled as a “frontrunner” in EU accession talks.
- The Critique of the Majority: He lamented that Brussels has to “remind” the parliamentary majority and the Speaker of the House that it is basic etiquette to congratulate citizens on their own country’s Independence Day.
Political Context: Montenegro in May 2026
Belan’s comments reflect the deep polarization in Montenegro as the country navigates a complex political landscape:
| Issue | Status | Belan’s Stance |
| Zeta Municipality | Voted to “annul” recognition of Kosovo. | A “meaningless mantra” and a distraction. |
| Parliamentary Majority | Pro-European in name, but nationalist in key actions. | Needs to be ignored or replaced by truly progressive forces. |
| EU Integration | Montenegro remains the “frontrunner” despite internal friction. | Full membership is the only way to safeguard civic Montenegro. |
| Serbia’s Influence | High influence via the “Andrićev Venac” and SPC axis. | A “dark ideology” that offers nothing for the next 40 years. |
Conclusion: A Call for Progress
Belan concluded by urging the pro-European and civic-minded actors—primarily found in the opposition—to focus on European standards rather than getting bogged down in the “mismatched fights” of the ruling majority. He argued that these retrograde policies should be “allowed to burn out” on their own so that a modern, democratic Montenegro can finally emerge.
