History of Montenegro in Timeline

Montenegro, located in Southeastern Europe on the Balkan Peninsula, encompasses 13,883 km2 and has a population of approximately 633,158. It shares borders with Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Kosovo, Albania, and Croatia, and features a coastline on the Adriatic Sea. Podgorica serves as its capital and largest city, while Cetinje holds the title of Old Royal Capital and is a significant cultural hub.

1905: Draft of Constitution

In 1905, modernization of Montenegro culminated with the draft of a Constitution.

1906: Port of Bar Initially Built

The Port of Bar was initially built in 1906.

1909: Deposition of Abdul Hamid II

In 1909, the deposition of Abdul Hamid II ended about 30 years of peace between Montenegro and the Ottoman Empire, which had been maintained through diplomacy.

1910: Country becomes a kingdom

In 1910, Montenegro transitioned from a principality to a kingdom.

1912: Balkan Wars

Montenegro participated in the Balkan Wars of 1912–1913.

1913: Balkan Wars

Montenegro participated in the Balkan Wars of 1912–1913.

1914: World War I

From 1914 to 1918, Montenegro was one of the Allied Powers during World War I.

January 1916: Battle of Mojkovac

In January 1916, the Battle of Mojkovac was fought between Austria-Hungary and the Kingdom of Montenegro, with Montenegrins achieving a decisive victory. The Austro-Hungarians accepted military surrender on 25 January 1916.

October 1918: End of Austro-Hungarian occupation

In October 1918, Austria-Hungary ended its occupation of Montenegro, which had begun in 1916. During the occupation, King Nicholas fled the country.

1918: Church buildings built before 1918

Church buildings and estates built before 1918 were to be transferred from the Serbian Orthodox Church to the Montenegrin state.

1918: End of Nicholas I's rule

Nicholas I ruled until 1918.

1922: Montenegro becomes Oblast of Cetinje

In 1922, Montenegro was formally integrated into the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes as the Oblast of Cetinje, with the inclusion of coastal areas around Budva and the Bay of Kotor.

1929: Part of Zeta Banate

In 1929, Montenegro became part of a larger Zeta Banate within the Kingdom of Yugoslavia.

April 1941: Axis Powers attack and occupy Yugoslavia

In April 1941, Nazi Germany, the Kingdom of Italy, and other Axis powers attacked and occupied the Kingdom of Yugoslavia. Italian forces occupied Montenegro and established a puppet Kingdom of Montenegro.

July 1941: Start of uprising

In July 1941, preparations were completed for an uprising against the Nazi occupation, with some historians claiming the first armed uprising in Nazi-occupied Europe happened on 13 July 1941 in Montenegro.

1942: War between Partisans and Chetniks

During the first half of 1942, war broke out between the Partisans and Chetniks in Montenegro. The core of the Montenegrin Partisans then went to Serbia and Bosnia, joining other Yugoslav Partisans.

April 1943: Chetniks defeated in Battle of Neretva

In April 1943, Montenegrin Chetniks, who had received support from Italy, fought in the Battle of Neretva against the Partisans but suffered a heavy defeat.

June 1943: German operation Schwartz

During the German operation Schwartz against the Partisans in June 1943, Germans disarmed many Chetniks without fighting.

September 1943: Capitulation of Italy

After the capitulation of Italy in September 1943, Partisans managed to take hold of most of Montenegro for a brief time.

November 1943: Foundation as Federal State of Montenegro

On 15 November 1943, after the second session of the AVNOJ during World War II in Yugoslavia, the contemporary modern state of Montenegro was founded as the Federal State of Montenegro within the Yugoslav Federation by the ZAVNOCGB.

December 1944: Liberation by Partisans

In December 1944, Montenegro was liberated by the Partisans.

November 1945: Montenegro becomes People's Republic

On 29 November 1945, after World War II, Montenegro became a republic named the People's Republic of Montenegro.

1950: Reconstruction of Port of Bar

Reconstruction of the Port of Bar, which was almost completely destroyed during World War II, began in 1950.

1963: Renamed to Socialist Republic of Montenegro

In 1963, the People's Republic of Montenegro was renamed to the Socialist Republic of Montenegro.

1974: New Constitution ratified

In 1974, the Socialist Republic of Montenegro ratified a new constitution, establishing greater autonomy.

1991: Attacks on Dubrovnik

During the 1991–1995 Bosnian War and Croatian War, Montenegrin police and military forces, under orders of president Momir Bulatovic and Interior Minister Pavle Bulatovic joined Serbian troops in attacks on Dubrovnik, Croatia.

1991: Djukanovic Dominates Montenegrin Politics

Since 1991, Milo Djukanovic had dominated Montenegrin politics.

1991: DPS in power since 1991

Since 1991, the Democratic Party of Socialists (DPS) had been in power.

April 1992: Renamed to Republic of Montenegro

On 27 April 1992, as the breakup of Yugoslavia occurred, the SRCG was renamed to the Republic of Montenegro within the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia by removing the adjective "socialist" from the republic's title.

1992: Referendum on remaining in Yugoslavia

In 1992, a referendum was held regarding remaining in Yugoslavia, with 96% of votes in favor of the federation with Serbia. However, the referendum was boycotted by opposition parties, resulting in a relatively low turnout of 66%.

1993: Schism in Orthodox Church

In 1993, The Montenegrin Orthodox Church broke off from the Serbian Orthodox church.

1995: Attacks on Dubrovnik

1996: Severing ties with Serbia

In 1996, Milo Đukanović's government severed ties between Montenegro and Serbia, which was led by Slobodan Milošević. Montenegro formed its own economic policy and adopted the German Deutsche Mark as its currency.

1999: Bombing by NATO forces

In 1999, targets in Montenegro were bombed by NATO forces during Operation Allied Force.

2002: New agreement for cooperation with Serbia

In 2002, Serbia and Montenegro came to a new agreement for continued cooperation and entered into negotiations regarding the future status of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia.

2003: Catholic Albanian Population Census

In 2003, a census showed that a little more than one-fourth of the country's Albanians are Catholics, with 8,126 individuals recorded.

2003: Transformation into Serbia and Montenegro

In 2003, the Belgrade Agreement transformed the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia into a more decentralised state union named Serbia and Montenegro. This agreement also delayed any future referendum on the independence of Montenegro for at least three years.

May 2006: Referendum on Montenegrin independence

On 21 May 2006, a referendum was held on Montenegrin independence. 55.5% of votes were for independence, narrowly surpassing the 55% threshold needed to validate the referendum under the rules set by the European Union.

June 2006: Declaration of Independence

In June 2006, following an independence referendum, Montenegro declared its independence from Serbia and Montenegro, creating the independent states of Montenegro and Serbia.

June 2006: Montenegro joins the United Nations

On 28 June 2006, Montenegro became the 192nd member state of the United Nations.

2006: Governments Since 2006

All of Montenegro's governments since 2006 have been coalitions comprising a minimum of three political parties.

2006: EDI Ranked Montenegro

From 2006-2015, the Economist Democracy Index (EDI) ranked Montenegro as a “flawed democracy”.

2006: Referendum Monitored

In 2006 the referendum was monitored by five international observer missions, headed by an OSCE/ODIHR team, and around 3,000 observers in total.

2006: Founding of National Football Team

In 2006, the Montenegro national football team was founded and the Basketball Federation of Montenegro joined the International Basketball Federation (FIBA).

October 2007: Constitution of Montenegro Ratified and Adopted

In October 2007, the current Constitution of Montenegro was ratified and adopted.

October 2007: Country known as Montenegro

Since 22 October 2007, a year after its independence, the name of the country became simply known as Montenegro.

2007: Joined Central European Free Trade Agreement

In 2007, Montenegro joined the Central European Free Trade Agreement.

2007: Codified Constitution Established

In 2007, a codified constitution was established for Montenegro, defining it as a civic, democratic, and ecological state.

2008: Gold at European Water Polo Championship

In 2008, Montenegro's men's national water polo team won the gold medal at the Men's European Water Polo Championship in Málaga, Spain.

2008: Đukanović Prime Minister 2008

Milo Đukanović served as Prime Minister between 2008 and 2010.

2009: Gold at FINA Water Polo World League and LEN Euroleague Championship

In 2009, Montenegro's men's national water polo team won the gold medal at the FINA Men's Water Polo World League, held in Podgorica. Additionally, the Montenegrin team PVK Primorac from Kotor became the champion of Europe at the LEN Euroleague in Rijeka, Croatia.

January 2010: Ulcinj South Coast Ranked

In January 2010, The New York Times ranked the Ulcinj South Coast region of Montenegro among the "Top 31 Places to Go in 2010".

2010: Đukanović Prime Minister 2010

Milo Đukanović served as Prime Minister until 2010.

July 2011: Law on Status of Descendants of Petrović Njegoš Dynasty

On 12 July 2011, the Parliament of Montenegro passed the Law on the Status of the Descendants of the Petrović Njegoš Dynasty, rehabilitating the Royal House of Montenegro and recognising limited symbolic roles within the constitutional framework.

2012: Montenegro in EU Negotiations

In 2012, Montenegro began negotiations with the European Union regarding membership.

2012: Islam Recognized as Official Religion

In 2012, a protocol recognized Islam as an official religion in Montenegro. This ensures halal foods are served at military facilities, hospitals, dormitories, and social facilities. It also permits Muslim women to wear headscarves in schools and public institutions, and ensures Muslims have the right to take Fridays off for the Jumu'ah (Friday)-prayer.

2012: UEFA Euro Playoff Appearance

In 2012, the Montenegro national football team played in playoffs for UEFA Euro 2012.

2012: Olympic Silver and European Championship

In 2012, the national handball team won the country's first Olympic medal, claiming silver at the Summer Olympics. Additionally, Montenegro won the 2012 European Championship, becoming European champions.

2012: Đukanović Prime Minister 2012

Milo Đukanović served as Prime Minister from 2012 to 2016.

2012: Free Trade Agreement with EFTA

Since 2012, Montenegro has a free trade agreement with the European Free Trade Association.

2012: Start of EU accession process

Since 2012, Montenegro has been in the process of joining the European Union.

2012: Nikšić-Podgorica Railway Opens for Passenger Traffic

The Nikšić-Podgorica railway, which had operated as a freight-only line, opened for passenger traffic after reconstruction and electrification in 2012.

2015: EDI Ranked Montenegro

From 2006-2015, the Economist Democracy Index (EDI) ranked Montenegro as a “flawed democracy”.

2015: President named "Person of the Year in Organized Crime"

In 2015, the investigative journalists' network OCCRP named Montenegro's President and Prime Minister Milo Đukanović "Person of the Year in Organized Crime", leading to street demonstrations and calls for his removal.

October 2016: Coup d'état attempt

In October 2016, for the day of the parliamentary election, a coup d'état was prepared by a group of persons that included leaders of the Montenegrin opposition, Serbian nationals and Russian agents; the coup was prevented.

2016: Fourth Place in Olympics

In 2016, Montenegro came fourth in the men's water polo at the Olympics.

2016: Đukanović Prime Minister 2016

Milo Đukanović served as Prime Minister until 2016.

June 2017: Membership of NATO

In June 2017, Montenegro formally became a member of NATO, despite attempts by Russia to sabotage it, an event that triggered a promise of retaliatory actions from Russia's government.

2017: Indictments for coup attempt

In 2017, fourteen people, including two Russian nationals and two Montenegrin opposition leaders, Andrija Mandić and Milan Knežević, were indicted for their alleged roles in the 2016 coup attempt on charges such as "preparing a conspiracy against the constitutional order and the security of Montenegro" and an "attempted terrorist act".

April 2018: Milo Djukanovic Wins Presidential Election

In April 2018, Milo Djukanovic, leader of the Democratic Party of Socialists (DPS), won Montenegro's presidential election.

2018: GDP per capita

According to Eurostat data, the Montenegrin GDP per capita stood at 48% of the EU average in 2018.

2018: EU Accession Goal Revised

In 2018, Montenegro's goal for EU accession was revised from 2022 to 2025.

2018: Poverty and unemployment in Montenegro

In 2018, a quarter of the Montenegrin population lived below the poverty line, and unemployment was at 36.6 per cent in the northern part of the country.

2018: New Measurement of Highest Point

In 2018, new measurements revealed that Zla Kolata is the highest point, reaching a height of 2,534 meters (8,310 ft).

February 2019: Anti-Corruption Protests Begin

In February 2019, anti-corruption protests started against Đukanović and the government led by Prime Minister Duško Marković.

December 2019: Law on Religion Sparks Protests

In late December 2019, the newly adopted Law on Religion, which transferred ownership of church buildings to the Montenegrin state, triggered large protests and road blockages.

2019: Forest Landscape Integrity Index

In 2019, Montenegro had a Forest Landscape Integrity Index mean score of 6.41/10, ranking it 73rd globally out of 172 countries.

2019: Montenegro Described as a Hybrid Regime

In 2019, Montenegro was described as a hybrid regime by Freedom House, citing state capture and abuse of power.

2019: Nominal GDP

In 2019, the nominal GDP of Montenegro was $5.424 billion, according to the International Monetary Fund.

March 2020: Demonstrations Continue

In March 2020, demonstrations continued as peaceful protest walks, primarily organized by the Serbian Orthodox Church.

May 2020: Freedom House Report Marks Montenegro as Hybrid Regime

In May 2020, Freedom House classified Montenegro as a hybrid regime due to declining standards in governance, justice, elections, and media freedom.

2020: EDI Ranked Montenegro

Between 2016-2020, the Economist Democracy Index (EDI) downgraded Montenegro to a “hybrid regime”.

2020: DPS Loses Parliamentary Election

In 2020, the Democratic Party of Socialists (DPS) narrowly lost the parliamentary election, ending its 30-year rule.

July 2021: Same-Sex Partnerships Legalized

Since 15 July 2021, same-sex couples in Montenegro have been able to register their relationship as a Life Partnership.

2021: EDI Ranked Montenegro

In 2021, the Economist Democracy Index (EDI) reinstated Montenegro to “flawed democracy.

February 2022: Government Voted Out

In February 2022, the Montenegrin government was voted out in a vote of no-confidence.

April 2022: New Minority Government Formed

In April 2022, a new minority government, led by Prime Minister Dritan Abazović, was formed.

September 2022: Spy Investigation and Expulsion of Russian Diplomats

In September 2022, an investigation revealed that six Russian diplomats were connected to a spy operation involving Russian citizens and two Montenegrin locals, resulting in the diplomats' expulsion.

2022: Tourism Statistics

In 2022, Montenegro had 2.1 million visitors who spent 12.4 million nights there.

2022: Host of European Women's Handball Championship

In 2022, Montenegro was one of the host countries for the European Women's Handball Championship and came third.

2022: Earlier goal of acceding by 2022

In 2022, the earlier goal of acceding to the EU was expected for Montenegro.

March 2023: Jakov Milatovic Wins Presidential Election

In March 2023, Jakov Milatovic of the Europe Now movement won the presidential election against Milo Djukanovic.

May 2023: Jakov Milatović Incumbent President

Since May 2023, Jakov Milatović has held the position of President of Montenegro.

June 2023: President Expects EU Membership

In June 2023, President Milatović stated that he expects Montenegro to join the European Union by 2027 or 2028.

June 2023: Parliamentary Election

On 11 June 2023, the Europe Now! party led by Milojko Spajić won the most seats in the Parliamentary election.

July 2023: Agreement with EU on Border Management

In July 2023, an agreement with the EU became effective, permitting EU Frontex border management personnel to operate in Montenegro.

October 2023: Spajić Becomes Prime Minister

In October 2023, Milojko Spajić became the new prime minister with a new minority government.

2023: Global Innovation Index Ranking

In 2023, Montenegro was ranked 75th in the Global Innovation Index.

2023: LNG Terminal Planned for Bar

In 2023, there is a plan to install an LNG terminal at Bar to receive gas imports.

2023: Census reports citizens

The 2023 census reported 623,633 citizens.

June 2024: Resolution on Jasenovac Adopted

In June 2024, the Parliament of Montenegro adopted a resolution acknowledging the atrocities at the Jasenovac concentration camp during World War II, leading to criticism from Croatia.