Belgrade: Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic is expected to attend a major European Union summit in Montenegro this week despite receiving a warning from Serbia's security agency about possible risks to his safety.
The warning has added fresh tension to relations between Serbia and Montenegro at a time when European leaders are gathering to discuss the future of the Western Balkans and the region's path toward closer integration with the European Union.
Serbia's Security and Information Agency recently advised President Vucic not to travel to the summit in the Montenegrin coastal town of Tivat. According to Serbian officials, the agency cited concerns linked to the activities of foreign intelligence services and criminal groups operating in the region.
Despite the warning, Serbian Parliament Speaker Ana Brnabic said the president still intends to attend the meeting and participate in talks with European leaders. His presence at the summit is seen as important because Serbia remains one of the key countries involved in the European Union's enlargement process in the Western Balkans.
The security concerns emerged shortly after Montenegrin authorities blocked the entry of 87 Serbian citizens who arrived in the country on a charter flight. Officials in Montenegro said the group represented a possible security threat ahead of the gathering of regional and European leaders.
Montenegro's police and security agencies reported that several individuals in the group had backgrounds that raised concerns about public safety. Authorities also seized two buses linked to the visitors as part of their security measures.
The incident has further strained already delicate relations between Serbia and Montenegro. The two neighboring countries share deep historical, cultural and religious ties, but political disagreements have become more visible in recent years.
One major point of disagreement remains Kosovo. Montenegro recognizes Kosovo as an independent state, while Serbia continues to reject its independence. Differences have also emerged over foreign policy issues, including Montenegro's support for European Union sanctions against Russia.
Montenegrin leaders have repeatedly expressed concern about what they see as political influence from Serbia within their domestic affairs. Serbian officials have denied such allegations and have accused Montenegro of unfairly targeting Serbian citizens and organizations.
The dispute over the blocked visitors has already had practical consequences. Reports indicate that Serbia introduced stricter controls at border crossings following Montenegro's decision, resulting in long delays for travelers moving between the two countries.
The summit in Tivat is expected to bring together several leading European figures, including French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa.
The meeting is expected to focus on regional security, economic cooperation and the European Union membership ambitions of the Western Balkan countries. European leaders have recently renewed their commitment to the enlargement process, viewing it as an important step toward strengthening stability and security across Europe.
Montenegro and Albania are currently considered among the leading candidates for future European Union membership. Serbia also remains a candidate country, but progress has been slowed by concerns related to democratic reforms, the rule of law and foreign policy alignment.
Analysts say President Vucic's decision to attend the summit despite the security warning demonstrates Serbia's desire to remain actively engaged with the European Union. At the same time, the controversy highlights the political tensions that continue to affect relations between countries in the Western Balkans.
As European leaders gather in Montenegro, attention will be focused not only on discussions about the region's future but also on whether the latest dispute between Serbia and Montenegro can be prevented from overshadowing broader efforts to promote cooperation and stability.