Montenegro becomes a NATO member.

On June 5, 2017, Montenegro officially became the 29th member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). This marked a significant milestone for the small Balkan country, which had been pursuing NATO membership since gaining independence from Serbia in 2006. The decision to join was seen as a strategic move to strengthen Montenegro’s security, align more closely with Western institutions, and contribute to regional stability in the Western Balkans. Montenegro’s path to membership was not without challenges. The process involved extensive political, military, and institutional reforms to meet NATO standards. The move also faced internal opposition and geopolitical pressure, particularly from Russia, which strongly opposed further NATO expansion. Despite protests and political tensions, the Montenegrin government remained committed to integration, viewing NATO membership as a safeguard for its sovereignty and a step toward full Euro-Atlantic integration. By joining NATO, Montenegro gained the protection offered under Article 5 of the NATO treaty, which guarantees collective defense among member states. The membership also allowed Montenegro to participate in joint training, decision-making, and defense planning within the alliance. Though its military is small, Montenegro contributes to NATO operations and represents an important geopolitical presence on the Adriatic Sea, enhancing the alliance's strategic footprint in Southeast Europe.