Croatia blocks Montenegro’s EU bid over six demands

Croatia has blocked a step in Montenegro’s European Union membership talks, putting its target of joining by 2028 at risk.

Zagreb is demanding action on six unresolved issues, including war crimes and property claims by Croatian citizens.

The veto prevents Montenegro from closing the chapter covering foreign, security and defence policy.

Croatia says the disputes must be settled before Montenegro enters the EU, arguing that the bloc should not import unresolved conflicts between member states.

Montenegro is considered the Western Balkan country closest to EU membership.