President of Montenegro Jakov Milatović said today that Montenegro must not become a reception center for other countries’ migration issues, warning that irresponsible policies could have serious consequences for national security and stability.
“Last night’s events in Podgorica clearly showed what happens when a state loses control over its own immigration policy,” Milatović said. “I have been warning for some time that an irresponsible attitude towards this issue can have serious economic, social, and security consequences.”
The president called for a “serious and statesmanlike” debate on Montenegro’s migration policy, emphasizing that it must be based on the interests of Montenegrin citizens rather than on short-term political or financial arrangements.
Milatović expressed particular concern over reports in British media outlets The Times and The Guardian, which stated that the Montenegrin government is considering accepting migrants returned from the United Kingdom in exchange for British investments.
“I want to make it clear that I oppose such a decision and believe it would be disastrous for Montenegro,” Milatović stressed. “This is not state policy – it is trading with the dignity of the state and the security of our citizens.”
He added that Montenegro’s system is already showing serious weaknesses in managing uncontrolled migration. “The question arises: who is responsible? The answer is clear – a state must have a plan, control, and a clear strategy for protecting its borders and citizens,” he said.
The president called on all state institutions to “immediately stop improvising and start behaving responsibly in accordance with the best interests of our state and citizens.”
Milatović’s statement comes amid growing domestic and international debate about migration management in the Western Balkans, as well as speculation over possible agreements between Montenegro and the United Kingdom on migrant returns.
