Montenegro ready for the EU–Western Balkans Summit: Security, responsibility and professionalism come first

Montenegro is hosting one of the most significant international events in its recent history, and the competent authorities have been making every effort over an extended period to ensure that the event is conducted responsibly, professionally and securely.

All capacities of the security sector have been engaged to protect participants of the EU–Western Balkans Summit, as well as the citizens of Montenegro, state institutions, and public order and safety. The Police Directorate, the National Security Agency, the Ministry of Defence, and all other relevant institutions are acting in a coordinated and preventive manner, fully in accordance with the law.

Today’s activity at Tivat Airport demonstrates exactly what citizens should know: the system is functioning. Competent institutions monitor, verify, assess and respond in accordance with the law before any potential risk can escalate into a problem. This is the essence of serious and responsible governance.

Montenegro is an open country, a welcoming host and a reliable partner. However, Montenegro is not a place where anyone can enter without verification, without a clear purpose of stay, or without complying with the security procedures applicable to events of the highest international significance. Professional institutions treat every individual – whether a domestic or foreign citizen – strictly in accordance with the law, because in Montenegro there is finally no one who stands above the law or above the state.

We will welcome all official delegations with the highest level of respect, but we will not allow any individual or group, domestic or foreign, to misuse this international event for any form of unlawful activity.

Dear citizens, let us take pride in the great honour and recognition that Montenegro has received through hosting such a prestigious event. Let us also acknowledge and appreciate the thousands of dedicated officials from numerous state and local institutions who are working diligently, responsibly and professionally to ensure that everything proceeds in the best possible order.