AGP Executive Report

Education & Youth: Portugal’s PM Luís Montenegro admitted schooling has “lost quality and rigour” as PISA 2025 shows steep drops in maths and reading, with mobile-phone limits and curriculum changes cited as fixes. Montenegro Politics & Memory: Montenegro’s parliament will hold an extraordinary Sept. 24 session to consider removing Speaker Andrija Mandić after he offered condolences for convicted war criminal Ratko Mladić, a move opponents say could complicate EU accession talks. Justice & Religion: Podgorica prosecutors opened a case against Metropolitan Metodije after sermons and a monastery commemoration praising Mladić as “holy” warriors. EU & Regional Fallout: EU leaders condemned Mladić’s Belgrade funeral as “shocking” and a failure to confront the past, while Bosnia expelled Serbian diplomats over attendance and suspended a regional cooperation plan tied to Montenegro. Culture & Film: The Ji.hlava New Visions Forum selected 28 European and international documentary projects, including work from Montenegro, with themes of memory, identity and political divides. Travel & Lifestyle: British Airways launched a new Heathrow–Tivat route, pitching Montenegro’s Bay of Kotor as a fast-growing cruise hotspot. Wellbeing Hospitality: GOCO outlined plans to expand Fivelements’ wellness brand globally, with a Montenegro-linked push among new destinations.

Travel & Lifestyle: British Airways launched a new twice-weekly Heathrow–Tivat route, turning Montenegro’s Bay of Kotor coast into an easier long-weekend escape for UK travelers. Culture & Film: In Herceg Novi, Montenegrin producer Miljan Vučelić spoke about the 3rd Montenegro Film Rendezvous and his work-in-progress “Comedown / Sobe,” highlighting regional co-productions and local industry momentum. Religion & Law: Montenegro prosecutors opened a case against Metropolitan Metodije after he praised convicted war criminal Ratko Mladic at Piva Monastery, with allegations of inciting national, racial and religious hatred. Politics & EU: Montenegro’s EU minister Maida Gorčević told Brussels Montenegro wants full, equal membership—not “junior partner” status—pushing back on talk of safeguards and delayed rights. Education Watch: The OECD’s PISA 2025 results show a global reading and maths slump, with Montenegro listed among countries seeing notable shifts. International Relations: Mongolia and Montenegro issued a joint statement after President Jakov Milatović’s state visit, expanding cooperation in education, culture, media and people-to-people ties.

Montenegro Justice & Religion: Montenegro’s Higher State Prosecutor’s Office in Podgorica opened a case against Serbian Orthodox Metropolitan Metodije after a sermon at Piva Monastery praised convicted war criminal Ratko Mladic, alleging incitement of national, racial and religious hatred. Parliament Pressure: Montenegro’s opposition moved to oust Parliament Speaker Andrija Mandic over his public condolences for Mladic, arguing the speaker’s role conflicts with Montenegro’s duties and international obligations. EU Membership Politics: Montenegro’s EU affairs minister Maida Gorčević told Brussels Montenegro wants full EU membership “as an equal,” pushing back on talk of safeguards, delayed voting rights or veto concerns. Education Watch: The OECD’s PISA 2025 results show a steep global slide in reading and maths, with Montenegro listed among countries showing big changes from 2022 to 2025. Culture & Film: In Herceg Novi, the 3rd Montenegro Film Rendezvous highlighted regional projects, including a Q&A with producer Miljan Vučelić about his work-in-progress “Comedown / Sobe.” Wellness Travel: GOCO unveiled plans to expand the Fivelements wellness brand worldwide, with Montenegro mentioned among destinations in its pipeline. International Spotlight: Bosnia expelled two Serbian diplomats and suspended a regional cooperation accord after the Belgrade funeral of Mladic, escalating Balkan tensions.

Queer Arts & Travel: A new feature spotlights Mexico City’s queer art scene through Frida Kahlo’s legacy, from “The Two Fridas” to the intimate symbolism behind her self-portraits. Education Watch: The OECD’s PISA 2025 results show a broad skills slump, with reading and maths hitting record lows and “hasty readers” rising—an issue that lands hard in the AI age. Montenegro Culture & Society: Montenegro’s Higher State Prosecutor’s Office opened a case against Metropolitan Metodije after he praised Ratko Mladic during a Piva Monastery service, while the opposition moved to oust Parliament Speaker Andrija Mandic over his condolences. EU & Regional Politics: EU leaders condemned the Belgrade funeral’s military honours as “shocking” and a failure to confront the past, as Bosnia expelled Serbian diplomats in protest. Diplomacy & People-to-People: Montenegro’s President Jakov Milatović met Mongolia’s leadership in Ulaanbaatar, with plans to expand cooperation in culture, education, media, and exchanges.

EU–Serbia Tensions: Montenegro is caught in the wider fallout from Ratko Mladić’s Belgrade funeral, with EU leaders calling the military honours “shocking” and a failure to confront the past. Montenegro Justice & Church: Podgorica prosecutors opened cases over a Serbian Orthodox bishop’s praise of Mladić at Piva Monastery, citing possible incitement of national, racial and religious hatred. Parliament Pressure: Montenegro’s opposition moved to oust Parliament Speaker Andrija Mandic over his public condolences for Mladić. Education Watch: New OECD PISA 2025 results show a global reading crisis deepening, with Montenegro listed among countries showing notable change; the report highlights weaker foundational skills for the AI age. Wellness & Travel: GOCO revealed plans to expand Fivelements’ Balinese-style wellness brand, with Montenegro mentioned among upcoming destinations. Culture & Film: Montenegro Film Rendezvous spotlighted regional cinema, including a Q&A with producer Miljan Vučelić about his work-in-progress project. International Links: Montenegro’s President Jakov Milatović began a state visit to Mongolia, with talks covering culture, education, science and people-to-people exchanges. Cruise Lifestyle: Azamara launched a shopping rewards program onboard, with Kotor, Montenegro featured in promotional material.

Education Watch: New PISA 2025 results show a continued global slide in reading, maths and science, with OECD 15-year-olds hitting the weakest levels since testing began and “hasty readers” rising—an especially worrying trend for the AI age. Regional Culture & Film: Montenegrin producer Miljan Vučelić talks about the Montenegro Film Rendezvous and pitching his work-in-progress “Comedown / Sobe,” highlighting how regional co-productions keep local cinema visible. Montenegro Justice & Church: Montenegro’s Higher State Prosecutor opened a case against Bishop Metodije of Budimlja-Nikšić after he praised convicted war criminal Ratko Mladić during a service at Piva Monastery. Balkan Politics, Memory & Diplomacy: The Mladić funeral fallout keeps escalating—EU leaders condemned the “glorification,” and Bosnia expelled two Serbian embassy officials while suspending plans for a regional cooperation declaration tied to Montenegro. Travel & Lifestyle: Cruise lines are leaning into “off-the-radar” ports like Katakolon as a laid-back alternative to Santorini, with easy access to Olympia. International Ties: Montenegro’s President Jakov Milatović is on a state visit to Mongolia, with talks spanning culture, education and people-to-people cooperation.

Montenegro Film & Media: Herceg Novi hosted the 3rd Montenegro Film Rendezvous (Aug 22–28), bringing regional filmmakers, film centres and European funds together; Montenegrin producer Miljan Vučelić spoke about his work-in-progress “Comedown / Sobe” and the event’s role in connecting local projects to wider co-productions. War Crimes & Church Scrutiny: Montenegro prosecutors opened a case against Bishop Metodije of Budimlja-Nikšić after he praised convicted war criminal Ratko Mladic during a service at Piva Monastery, citing suspicion of inciting national, racial and religious hatred. Regional Fallout from Mladic Funeral: Bosnia and Herzegovina expelled two Serbian diplomats for attending Mladic’s funeral in Belgrade and said it will withdraw diplomatic staff and suspend plans for a regional cooperation accord in Montenegro. EU Reaction: EU leaders condemned the “shocking” glorification and military honours, warning it clashes with European values. Education & Youth Risks: OECD’s PISA 2025 shows 15-year-olds’ reading, maths and science performance at the weakest levels in decades, while UNICEF estimates 20 million children (12–17) faced tech-facilitated sexual exploitation or abuse in a year. Diplomacy: Montenegro’s President Jakov Milatović began a state visit to Mongolia, marking 20 years of ties and focusing on cooperation in culture, education and people-to-people exchanges.

Diplomatic Spotlight: Montenegro’s President Jakov Milatović will visit Mongolia on Oct 8–10, marking 20 years of diplomatic ties and aiming to expand cooperation in trade, investment, culture, education, science, tourism, and climate/environment. Regional Memory & Culture Clash: In Serbia, thousands attended the military-honours funeral of convicted war criminal Ratko Mladić, with Patriarch Porfirije framing him as a “soldier” and “sacrifice,” while the EU and others criticized the public glorification—sparking wider political and cultural backlash across the region, including Montenegro. Media Freedom: Journalists in Slovenia are urging safeguards for RTV Slovenija’s independence and stable funding after proposed legal changes that could reshape governance and financing. Digital Safety for Youth: UNICEF reports about 20 million children aged 12–17 across 21 countries faced tech-facilitated sexual exploitation or abuse, with social media playing a major role—raising urgent questions for online protection. Montenegro Lifestyle & Arts: Podgorica’s “Fare Cinema” series will screen two Italian films (Sept 8–9), while EXIT’s Sea Dance and Long Beach events drew around 150,000 attendees across Montenegro, boosting music tourism.

War & Memory in the Region: Ratko Mladić was buried in Belgrade on 7 September with full military honours, drawing thousands of mourners and high-level attendance from Serbia and Republika Srpska, while regional and international criticism continues over the public rehabilitation of a convicted war criminal. Media & Public Service: In Slovenia, journalist groups are urging safeguards for RTV Slovenija’s independence and stable funding after proposed legal changes to governance and financing. Child Safety Online: UNICEF reports about 20 million children aged 12–17 across 21 countries faced technology-facilitated sexual exploitation in a year, with nearly 60% of cases linked to social media; Montenegro is cited as having most reported cases on social platforms. Montenegro Culture & Diplomacy: President Jakov Milatović will visit Mongolia (8–10 Sept) for talks on expanding cooperation in trade, education, culture, science, tourism, and environmental protection. Film & Screen Culture: Montenegro Film Rendezvous highlighted projects including director Marija Perović, while “Fare Cinema” brings two Italian films to Podgorica (8–9 Sept). Tourism & Lifestyle: EXIT’s Sea Dance and Long Beach events in Montenegro drew around 150,000 attendees from 100+ countries, boosting music tourism.

Film & Festivals: Montenegro’s Film Rendezvous spotlighted director Marija Perović, with her co-production Our Father winning top prizes at the Herceg Novi festival, while the Manaki Brothers 2026 lineup announced 51 films across Camera 300, documentary, shorts and student categories, plus major premieres and awards. Cinema in Podgorica: The “Fare Cinema” series brings two Italian films to Podgorica on Sept. 8–9. UNICEF & Youth Safety: A new UNICEF report says 20 million children aged 12–17 across 21 countries faced technology-facilitated sexual exploitation, with Montenegro among the surveyed states and social media driving nearly 60% of recorded cases. Digital Rights: SafeJournalists warns Meta must explain account restrictions hitting media and public-interest voices in Albania, including Euronews Albania and Citizens.al. Culture & Lifestyle: EXIT’s Sea Dance and Ulcinj event drew about 150,000 attendees worldwide, reinforcing Montenegro’s music-tourism pull. Diplomacy & Culture: President Jakov Milatović will visit Mongolia (Sept. 8–10) to expand cooperation including culture, education and tourism.

Film & Festivals: Manaki Brothers 2026 has unveiled its competition lineup, with 51 films across Camera 300, Documentary, International Short Film, and Student sections, plus awards for Danish cinematographer Dan Laustsen and Jeff Cronenweth. Local Film Scene: Montenegro Film Rendezvous highlighted director Marija Perović’s milestone projects, including Our Father / Oče naš, while her profile as Montenegro’s first female film/TV director for film and TV is front and center. UNICEF & Youth Safety: UNICEF reports 20 million children (ages 12–17) across 21 countries faced technology-facilitated sexual exploitation, with nearly 60% of cases on social media and Montenegro seeing over 80% of reported cases tied to social platforms. Digital Rights: SafeJournalists says Meta must urgently explain sudden account restrictions hitting media and public-interest voices in Albania, including Euronews Albania and Citizens.al. Culture Abroad, Montenegro Connections: Montenegro’s president Jakov Milatović will visit Mongolia (Sept 8–10) to expand cooperation in trade, education, culture, science, tourism, and climate. Music Tourism: EXIT’s Sea Dance and Ulcinj event drew about 150,000 attendees from 100+ countries, reinforcing Montenegro’s push for music-led travel. Podgorica Screenings: “Fare Cinema” brings two Italian films to Podgorica Cultural Summer on Sept 8–9.

Diplomacy & Culture: Montenegro President Jakov Milatović will pay a state visit to Mongolia on Sept 8–10, the first Montenegrin presidential visit to the country, as both mark 20 years of diplomatic ties; talks will cover trade, investment, economy, education, culture, science, tourism, climate and environmental protection, with a joint declaration and cooperation documents expected. Digital Safety for Youth: UNICEF reports about 20 million children aged 12–17 across 21 countries experienced technology-facilitated sexual exploitation in a year; nearly 60% of cases happened on social media, and in Montenegro more than 80% of reported cases involved social platforms. Culture & Film: Podgorica’s “Fare Cinema” series screens two Italian films—“Anna” (Sept 8) and “Le cose non dette” (Sept 9)—as part of a wider push to promote Italian cinema. Music Tourism: EXIT’s Sea Dance and Long Beach events in Montenegro drew around 150,000 attendees from 100+ countries, with organisers citing major boosts to music tourism. UNESCO & Media Governance: UNESCO-backed recommendations for rights-based digital platform governance were adopted across Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia.

Child Safety Online: UNICEF reports about 20 million children aged 12–17 across 21 countries faced technology-facilitated sexual exploitation, with nearly 60% of cases happening on social media and Montenegro seeing over 80% of reported cases tied to those platforms. Regional Context: The highest exposure rates are in Eastern and Southern Africa (27%), followed by Southeast Asia (19%) and Latin America & the Caribbean (18%), while Europe & Central Asia is lowest at 8%. War Crimes & Memory: The death of Ratko Mladić in The Hague keeps the Balkans’ unresolved reckoning in the spotlight, with his burial in Belgrade drawing deep divisions over his legacy. Culture & Film: Podgorica’s “Fare Cinema” brings two Italian screenings—“Anna” (Sept 8) and “Le cose non dette” (Sept 9). Music Tourism: Montenegro’s EXIT festivals drew around 150,000 attendees from 100+ countries, with Sea Dance and Long Beach boosting the country’s summer cultural scene.

War Crimes & Memory: Convicted Bosnian Serb commander Ratko Mladić will be buried in Belgrade on Monday, with thousands expected, as Serbia marks a deeply divisive legacy tied to the Srebrenica genocide. Digital Safety for Youth: UNICEF reports about 20 million children aged 12–17 across 21 countries faced technology-facilitated sexual exploitation, with nearly 60% of cases on social media; Montenegro figures show over 80% linked to social platforms. Culture & Film in Montenegro: Podgorica’s “Fare Cinema” series brings two Italian screenings on Sept. 8 (“Anna”) and Sept. 9 (“Le cose non dette”). Music Tourism: EXIT’s Sea Dance and Long Beach events drew around 150,000 attendees from 100+ countries, boosting Montenegro’s music-travel push. Travel & Lifestyle: A UNICEF-backed push for safer platforms meets a tourism reality check as “shoulder season” travel demand drives prices up, while Montenegro’s Budva keeps growing as a nightlife hub. Aviation & Mobility: Montenegro and Kyrgyzstan discussed direct flights and wider cultural cooperation.

UNICEF & Youth Safety: UNICEF reports about 20 million children (ages 12–17) across 21 countries faced technology-facilitated sexual exploitation, with nearly 60% of cases happening on social media and less than 1% reaching authorities—Montenegro is cited as having over 80% of reported cases tied to social platforms. Digital Media Governance: UNESCO says 197 multi-stakeholder recommendations have been adopted to improve digital platform and media governance in the Western Balkans, including Montenegro, aiming to strengthen rights-based oversight and journalism as a public good. Music Tourism in Montenegro: EXIT’s Sea Dance and Long Beach (Ulcinj) drew around 150,000 attendees from 100+ countries, with organisers linking the events to major overnight-stay and tourism goals. Italian Culture in Podgorica: Podgorica’s “Fare Cinema” series screens two Italian films—“Anna” (Sept 8) and “Le cose non dette” (Sept 9). Travel & Lifestyle: New data suggests “shoulder-season” trips are getting pricier, while Montenegro’s Budva continues to market itself as a nightlife-and-history summer hotspot.

Montenegro–Kyrgyzstan Tourism Talks: Montenegro’s tourism leadership met Kyrgyz officials in Bishkek to push more cultural cooperation, tourist exchange, and—key for lifestyle travel—plans for direct flights. UNICEF Child Safety Online: UNICEF’s new report estimates 20 million children aged 12–17 across 21 countries faced technology-facilitated sexual exploitation; nearly 60% of cases happened on social media, and Montenegro is cited as having over 80% of reported cases tied to social platforms. Budva Summer Life: A fresh travel look at Budva captures how the medieval old town and Adriatic beaches coexist with a nightlife-heavy, high-traffic summer vibe. Montenegro Film & Culture: The Film Centre of Montenegro’s expanded Herceg Novi Film Festival–Rendezvous program brought 120+ film professionals and 15 Montenegrin projects to international industry partners. Herceg Novi Comics Festival: The 20th Herceg Novi Comics Festival runs Sept. 4–9, with Italian guests supported by cultural institutions. Tragedy in Danilovgrad Area: A Russian citizen killed three instructors at a shooting range near Danilovgrad before taking his own life; police recovered weapons and ammunition. Digital Media Governance: UNESCO-backed recommendations for rights-based digital platform governance were adopted across Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia.