The establishment of a commission in Croatia to address military asset succession is not unexpected, according to retired Admiral Dragan Samardzić. He characterized the move as a logical institutional response to the complexities surrounding this issue, particularly concerning the fate of the military ship Jadran.
Samardzić emphasized that the discussions around military asset succession have been legally intricate and politically sensitive. He stated that a serious, strategic approach is essential, rather than employing vague or ultimatum-like messages. The commission includes key representatives from both the foreign affairs and defense sectors, signifying that Croatia is treating the matter as a blend of international law, security policy, and European context.
Long-Term Implications for Montenegro’s EU Negotiations
The former admiral pointed out that this initiative signals a commitment to addressing these disputes in a long-term and institutional manner. He noted that the outcomes could significantly impact Montenegro’s ongoing negotiations with the European Union, particularly within the frameworks of Chapter 31—which deals with foreign, security, and defense policy—and Chapter 23, focusing on justice and fundamental rights.
Samardzić remarked that the real issue lies not in the bilateral disputes themselves, which many candidate countries experience, but in the methods used to resolve them. The European Union is keen to avoid “importing” unresolved issues between member states, making such cases a test of political maturity for candidate nations like Montenegro.
He stressed the importance for Montenegro to engage in dialogue based on international law and consistent state practices. Any further escalation of tensions would likely weaken Montenegro’s negotiating position in its European integration process.
The Need for Expert Analysis on Succession Issues
In light of these challenges, Samardzić advocated for Montenegro to enlist verified and recognized experts in international law. These specialists could provide a thorough and critical analysis of the succession agreement concerning the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (SFRY) and realistically assess Montenegro’s legal standing regarding military asset succession.
He cautioned that relying on partial interpretations and insufficiently founded arguments has proven costly and politically risky. This reliance has eroded Montenegro’s negotiating stance. A serious and depoliticized legal analysis is vital for fostering responsible and sustainable solutions to these complex issues.
In closing, Samardzić reiterated his earlier position regarding the Jadran, advocating that it should unite rather than divide. He called for diplomatic efforts to focus on finding an optimal model for its joint usage, emphasizing that solutions based on mutual agreement would benefit all parties involved, including the ship itself.
