Montenegrin authorities denied entry to around 90 Serbian nationals who arrived on a charter flight from Belgrade to Tivat, following extensive security checks at the airport on Wednesday.
According to regional media reports, strong police forces were deployed at Tivat Airport after the aircraft landed. The passengers were kept under special supervision while officers checked their identities and the purpose of their visit to Montenegro. After several hours of inspections, authorities decided not to allow them into the country and ordered their return to Belgrade.
Montenegrin police said the controls were part of heightened security measures ahead of the EU–Western Balkans Summit, which is taking place in Tivat. More than 1,500 police officers have reportedly been engaged as security was raised to the highest level for the event.
Local media reported that some of the passengers were considered “persons of security interest” by authorities, while police sources said there were suspicions related to possible hybrid activity. The group allegedly did not provide clear answers when asked why they were entering Montenegro.
Reports also claimed that some of the passengers were expected to be connected to informal security arrangements during Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić’s stay in Montenegro for the summit. Officials have not publicly released the full identities of the passengers.
The EU–Western Balkans Summit is expected to bring together senior European and regional leaders, including European Council President António Costa, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and other officials.
Montenegrin Prime Minister Milojko Spajić recently warned that organized criminal groups and foreign political actors were working against Montenegro’s European path, saying the country must remain alert to attempts at outside interference.
Authorities said additional border and airport checks will continue as part of the security operation surrounding the summit.
