Montenegro and the EU: Public Still Supports Membership But Confidence in Delivery Is Fading

Over the last 2 decades, Montenegro’s political identity has been defined by its journey toward European Union membership. The promise of joining the EU as a member state.) has underpinned economic reform agendas, electoral campaigns and diplomatic alignments. Yet, new polling suggests that while public support for accession remains broadly intact, confidence in its benefits and in the current government’s ability to deliver, has become more fragile.

EU Membership Still Seen as Important But Not Essential

When asked how important EU membership by 2028 is to their personal economic future, 51% of Montenegrins say it is either “very” (28%) or “somewhat” (23%) important. Only 20% say it is unimportant. However, a significant 30% express neutrality, suggesting that for many, the path to EU membership is no longer seen as the defining economic opportunity it once was.

After being in the complicated EU accession process since 2012, this lack of strong support may reflect both fatigue with the joining process and a lack of visible progress in daily life. Support is also unevenly distributed: men (57%), central residents (55%) and older voters (66% of over 55’s) are more likely to consider EU membership important. Among women (44%) and younger voters (25% of 25–34 year olds), support is markedly lower.

Do EU-Aligned Reforms Work?

Only 9% of respondents strongly agree that aligning Montenegro’s economy with EU standards (such as procurement rules or regulatory reforms) has improved the national economy. A further 28% somewhat agree. But this is closely matched by 20% who strongly disagree and 35% say they are neutral.

In short, most Montenegrins are yet to be convinced that EU-linked economic reforms are making a meaningful difference. These findings point to a broader communications challenge: even if reforms are being implemented behind the scenes, the public remains unaware or unconvinced of their value.

Do People Believe the EU Will Help Their Lives?

Only 21% of Montenegrins say they are “very confident” that EU membership will bring economic benefits to ordinary people. Another 23% are “somewhat confident”, but the rest express either neutrality (29%) or outright scepticism: 11% are “somewhat unconfident” and 16% are “not confident at all”. Once again, women and younger voters are among the least confident.

These findings suggest that while support for the idea of EU membership is still intact, belief in its practical impact, especially on household-level economics, is under strain.

What Should Europe Now Prioritise?

Despite this ambivalence, Montenegrins are not short of views on how to make the EU agenda more effective. When asked what EU-related economic policies should be prioritised, the top response was “strengthening anti-corruption measures”, selected by 32% of voters. This was followed by “improving trade access to EU markets” (25%) and “attracting EU investment” (22%). Only 10% prioritised harmonising tax policy with EU standards.

These results reflect public frustration with domestic governance. For many, the value of EU integration lies not in technocratic alignment, but in forcing a clean-up of political corruption and opening tangible doors for trade and investment.

Is Europe Now Delivering on the EU Agenda? Most Say No

The Europe Now government, which has made EU integration a central part of its political brand, faces scepticism over its handling of the process. Just 7% of respondents “strongly agree” that the government is effectively countering external interference, such as from Serbia, that could derail reforms. Another 14% “somewhat agree”. But 32% say they “strongly disagree”, with another 10% “somewhat disagree”.

Trust in Prime Minister Milojko Spajić to deliver EU-driven reforms is similarly divided. Only 9% say they “completely trust” him, while 21% say they “somewhat trust” him. But 48% of voters express some level of distrust, including nearly a third (32%) who say they “completely distrust” him.

Confidence is lowest among younger voters and residents in the central region, two groups that are key to long-term economic reform. In contrast, support is stronger in the north and among older voters.

The Path Forward

Despite growing doubts, Montenegrins have not turned away from the EU. The bloc remains a symbol of opportunity, order and prosperity for many and there is still a foundation of support for reforms tied to membership. But the Europe Now government risks squandering this if it cannot make the benefits more visible and rebuild trust in its leadership.

Reform for reform’s sake will not be enough. The public wants anti-corruption, investment and trade, not just procedural alignment with Brussels. If the Spajić administration can reframe its EU agenda around concrete gains rather than institutional milestones, it may be able to salvage public confidence.

Download the data tables for this poll.