By Roy Lie Atjam
H.E. Mr. Milisav Raspopović, the Ambassador of Montenegro, hosted an impressive reception to mark the 20th Anniversary of Montenegro’s Restoration of Independence.
This notable event took place on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, at the prestigious Nieuwe Kerk in The Hague, drawing a diverse crowd of fellow ambassadors, diplomats, international representatives, local officials, and members of the diaspora.
It was a momentous occasion, celebrating Montenegro’s first diplomatic National Day in The Hague, and it underscored the nation’s commitment to fostering international relationships.
Earlier, on May 21, 2026, Montenegrins celebrated in Podgorica’s Independence Square, proudly honoring their restored independence from Serbia. This historic milestone was met with lively festivities, including spectacular concerts featuring renowned international pop and electronic artists like Ricky Martin and DJ Robin Schulz.
Moreover, a high-profile national event was conducted, with EU officials in attendance, including European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos. This gathering was a powerful affirmation of Montenegro’s significant strides toward EU accession, highlighting its role as a leading contenderr in the region.
Here are the welcome remarks by H.E. Mr. Milisav Raspopović, the Ambassador of Montenegro.
“It is my great pleasure to welcome you this evening as we celebrate the Independence Day of Montenegro.
This year’s celebration carries particular significance as we mark twenty years since the restoration of Montenegro’s independence and twenty years of diplomatic relations between Montenegro and the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
Two decades ago, the citizens of Montenegro made a historic decision to restore our independence through a democratic referendum held in accordance with the highest international standards. That decision reflected our determination to build Montenegro as a sovereign, democratic and European state.
Today, Montenegro remains firmly committed to strengthening democratic institutions, advancing the rule of law and achieving its strategic goal of full membership in the European Union.
One of the more curious similarities between Montenegro and the Netherlands is that we regularly compete for the title of the tallest nation in the world. You would therefore expect us to be unbeatable in basketball. Unfortunately, height alone is not enough.
Fortunately, our countries also regularly meet in water polo. Earlier this year, Montenegro and the Netherlands faced each other at the European Championship. The only complication was that the Dutch national team head coach is from Montenegro. So by the end of the match, we were not entirely sure whom we were supposed to support. Perhaps that is the perfect reflection of the relationship between our two countries. Even when we find ourselves on opposite sides, we somehow still end up on the same team.
The Netherlands has been a valued partner of Montenegro throughout our reform and European integration process. We greatly appreciate the political support, expertise and practical assistance that the Netherlands has provided over the years, including through programs such as MATRA, which have helped strengthen institutions and support reforms across our country.
The Dutch approach to EU enlargement is often described as strict and fair. We understand the importance the Netherlands attaches to the rule of law, institutional resilience and security. At the same time, we appreciate an approach that recognizes and rewards tangible progress.
As a reliable NATO Ally and a country fully aligned with the European Union’s Common Foreign and Security Policy, Montenegro remains committed to regional stability, good neighbors relations and the European future of the Western Balkans.
Relations between our two countries have gained new momentum in recent years. Following the opening of our Embassy in The Hague, the first official visit of the President of Montenegro to the Netherlands took place, and our Ministries of Foreign Affairs held their first political consultations.
Just last week, Montenegro welcomed leaders from across Europe for the very successful EU–Western Balkans Summit, including, among others, Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten. While his participation was linked to the Summit, the occasion also marked a historic milestone in our bilateral relations, as it was the first visit to Montenegro by a Prime Minister of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
Political dialogue is not the only thing bringing our countries closer together. Direct air connections, including recently introduced the year-round route between Maastricht and Podgorica and the seasonal flight between Amsterdam and Tivat, have also helped strengthen ties between our citizens, business communities and tourism sectors.
We are convinced that the best is still ahead of us. There is plenty of room to strengthen cooperation, encourage new investments and bring our countries even closer together.
The Hague, the home of our Embassy, holds a special place in our relationship with the Netherlands. As the international city of peace and justice, it reflects values that Montenegro deeply supports, such as respect for international law, human rights, sovereignty and cooperation among nations. At a time when these principles are facing serious challenges, preserving them remains a shared responsibility for all of us.”
In a message to the Montenegrin community in the Netherlands, Ambassador Raspopović highlighted
“Dear fellow citizens, many of you built your lives in the Netherlands long before Montenegro established its diplomatic presence here. Through your work, achievements and personal connections, you represent the very best of Montenegro.
Over the years, you have become an important bridge between Montenegro and the Netherlands, helping bring our countries and our people closer together.
For all of this, we are sincerely very grateful.
As we mark these two important anniversaries, we can look back with pride on the partnership between Montenegro and the Netherlands, which is built on mutual respect, trust and shared values.
The progress we have achieved together gives us every reason to look to the future with confidence. I am certain that the next chapter of our relationship will bring even closer cooperation and new opportunities for our countries and our people.
Before I conclude, let me express my sincere appreciation to our sponsors. I am pleased to welcome representatives of Luštica Bay, one of Montenegro’s most ambitious tourism and investment projects, who will shortly present their vision right after. I would also like to thank Expo Commerce, a company that has been connecting Montenegro with international markets for more than three decades.
Thank you for being with us this evening and I wish you all prosperity, success and every happiness.
Živjela Crna Gora.
Long live Montenegro or as the Dutch would say Lang leve Montenegro!”
Slavica Milic of Luštica Bay, one of the sponsors of the festivities, held a captivating exposé onthe tourism and investment scheme at Luštica Bay.
The reception featured a delightful Montenegro walking dinner buffet
and cocktails, creating a friendly atmosphere for guests to mingle, enjoy delicious food, and fully embrace the jubilation of Montenegro’s 20th anniversary celebration.
