Montenegro’s Foreign Ministry: Municipal Decisions to “Withdraw Recognition” of Kosovo Have No Legal Effect

Decisions by several municipalities in Montenegro to “withdraw recognition” of the independence of the Republic of Kosovo carry no legal weight or consequences, Montenegro’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, headed by Emrin Ibrahimovci, has said.

In its response, the Ministry clarified that municipal assemblies have no constitutional or legal authority over foreign policy. Therefore, local government units cannot adopt acts that have consequences under international law regarding the recognition of the Republic of Kosovo.

According to officials in Podgorica, foreign policy matters, including the recognition of states and the establishment of diplomatic relations, are the sole responsibility of Montenegro’s state authorities, in accordance with the country’s Constitution and legislation.

The Foreign Ministry called on all public officeholders to act in accordance with the constitutional order, respect the authority of state institutions, and safeguard Montenegro’s international credibility.

The Ministry stressed that the actions of public officials should help preserve the state’s reputation and advance its progress toward European integration, instead of causing unnecessary political tensions or institutional uncertainty.

According to Montenegro’s Foreign Ministry, acts adopted by certain municipal assemblies cannot change the state’s established foreign policy, affect Montenegro’s international obligations, or influence its standing in the international arena.

These decisions, the response said, are merely political acts with no legal force. Their only effect may be to create a false impression of how state institutions function, as well as damage Montenegro’s credibility internationally.

Speaking about relations between Montenegro and Kosovo, the Ministry emphasized that the two countries have built very good bilateral relations over the years, supported by intensive political dialogue, mutual trust, good-neighborly relations, and a shared European and Euro-Atlantic perspective.

Officials in Podgorica said that Montenegro and Kosovo will continue to deepen cooperation in all areas of mutual interest for the benefit of the citizens of both countries. Montenegro will also continue to support Kosovo’s participation and membership in international and regional organizations and initiatives, according to the Montenegrin Foreign Ministry’s written response to Express.

The initiative against Kosovo’s independence was launched in May 2026 by the Municipality of Zeta and was subsequently followed by the Municipality of Pljevlja.