Support for NATO drops in Montenegro

PODGORICA, Oct. 23 — Public support for Montenegro’s NATO membership has dropped sharply over the past year, while more people now oppose it, a new poll shows.

The CEDEM survey found 41% of Montenegrins back NATO, down from 49% last March. Opposition has risen to 42% from 31%.

The Atlantic Alliance of Montenegro blamed pro-Russian groups in politics and state institutions for spreading doubt and mistrust.

A NATO official told Radio Free Europe the country faces “constant hybrid threats” from Russia but remains a trusted partner in missions in Kosovo, Iraq, Latvia and Bulgaria.

Former army chief Dragan Samardžić said global tensions, political division and weak state messaging explain the drop. He warned that anti-Western campaigns are using public frustration to question NATO ties.

Montenegro joined the alliance in 2017. Support for EU membership has also fallen to 71% from 78% a year ago.