Mazreku: Montenegro's support for Kosovo is closely tied to its European integration

Professor of European Law from Pristina, Avni Mazreku, stated that Montenegro’s support for Kosovo’s membership in the Council of Europe should be interpreted as both a constructive approach toward its neighbors in the region and a reflection of the country’s key goal – joining the European Union.

“I believe that Montenegro, in its relations with its neighbors, not only with Kosovo, has generally had a constructive approach. This aligns with its goal of becoming a member of the European Union. The opening of every new chapter in the negotiations between Montenegro and the EU involves closer ties and a constructive relationship in building good neighborly relations,” Mazreku told Kosovo Online.

He recalls that “Montenegro’s high level of constructiveness toward Kosovo” is reflected not only in its early recognition of Kosovo’s independence but also in its support for Pristina’s membership in international and regional organizations.

Commenting on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' intention to make Kosovo’s admission to the Council of Europe one of Montenegro’s foreign policy priorities, Mazreku said that this support should also be viewed through the lens of human rights, especially those of minority communities.

“Support for Kosovo’s membership in international organizations such as the Council of Europe is also tied to human rights issues. In this context, any concerns or issues Montenegro might have regarding the Montenegrin minority in Kosovo should be addressed within the framework of Kosovo becoming a member of the Council of Europe, not outside of it,” Mazreku said.

He reminds that the Council of Europe was founded in 1949 and is a kind of “counterpart to the United Nations.”

“So, when we talk about Montenegro’s support for Kosovo’s membership in the Council of Europe, it means supporting the advancement of the status of the Montenegrin minority in Kosovo, not the opposite. That is why, generally speaking, it can be said that Montenegro has maintained a consistently constructive stance toward Kosovo,” Mazreku believes.