The Cetinje Forum – FORCE 2025, an international conference dedicated to analyzing current global challenges related to democracy, security, media freedoms, and the role of leadership, was held on 14 and 15 November at the Vladin dom in Cetinje. The forum was organized by the Faculty of Montenegrin Language and Literature, in cooperation with the Old Royal Capital Cetinje and WestBalkanNet (WBN), with the support of partner academic and civil society organizations. The event brought together prominent diplomats, academics, journalists, and activists from Montenegro, the region, and Europe, who, through eight panel discussions, examined how to preserve democratic values in complex international circumstances.
DAY ONE – 14 NOVEMBER 2025
9:45 – 10:45 Panel 1: The EU Enlargement Process and Geopolitics – Presentation of the Document “Montenegro: Non-paper”
Speakers: Vesna Pusić, Iveta Radičová, Peter Galbraith | Moderator: Marko Banović
This panel opened the forum with a discussion on the current geopolitical situation and the document “Montenegro: Non-paper”. The participants agreed that Montenegro’s European integration remains a key strategic goal, but that its progress is threatened by complex foreign policy pressures and regional tensions.
Vesna Pusić emphasized that the EU accession process cannot be merely an institutional procedure — it must serve as a catalyst for deep internal reforms that affirm the rule of law and democratic standards. She stressed the need to build broader societal support for European values in order to overcome polarization and external influences seeking to undermine this path.
Iveta Radičová reflected on the experiences of EU member states that went through demanding accession processes, pointing out that without consensus among political elites and societal dialogue, integration efforts remain fragmented and vulnerable to negative narratives.
From an international perspective, Peter Galbraith underscored the importance of geopolitical stability and emphasized that the broader context — including the influence of major powers and regional rivalries — must be carefully interpreted in every accession process.
11:00 – 11:45 Panel 2: Diplomacy in Times of Crisis
Speakers: H.E. Matei-Viorel Ardeleanu, H.E. Veselko Grubišić, H.E. Janina Hřebíčková, H.E. Oleh Herasymenko | Moderator: Marko Savić
The panel was dedicated to the role of diplomacy in responding to global and regional crises.
The Ambassador of Romania, Matei-Viorel Ardeleanu, emphasized that diplomatic engagement must be grounded in the principles of transparency and multilateral cooperation in order to effectively address migration, security, and political challenges.
The Ambassador of Croatia, Veselko Grubišić, stressed that diplomatic networks must remain active even in times of geopolitical tension, especially as they provide opportunities to consider solutions that go beyond bilateral disputes and focus on regional stabilization.
The Ambassador of the Czech Republic, Janina Hřebíčková, spoke about the need for consistent EU policies that strengthen the credibility of the European perspective for the Western Balkans, pointing to the challenges of aligning a common foreign policy within the Union.
In his address, the Ambassador of Ukraine, Oleh Herasymenko, recalled the importance of solidarity and diplomatic support in situations where peoples and states are exposed to serious threats, emphasizing that diplomacy can serve both as a tool for humanitarian assistance and for the long-term resolution of conflicts.
12:00 – 12:30 EU Enlargement: Illusion or Reality?
Govornica: H.E. Edita Hrdá | Moderator: Prof. Olivera Komar.
In a brief but powerful session, Edita Hrdá, Czech Government Special Envoy for the Western Balkans, addressed the perception and reality of European integration. Hrdá presented the dilemmas surrounding accession timelines and criteria, suggesting that the process must not be viewed as a mere formal fulfillment of requirements, but rather as a substantive transformation that must deliver results in the everyday lives of citizens.
She particularly emphasized that the perception of stagnation or regression can erode public trust in the European agenda if it fails to produce visible changes and tangible benefits.
12:45 – 13:45 Panel 3: Challenges of Democracy, Human Rights Policy, and Security in Central and Southeast European Countries
Speakers: Jakub Klepal, Roman Jakič, Daliborka Uljarević, Elira Luli, Sead Turčalo | Moderator: František Šístek
This panel addressed key issues concerning the sustainability of democratic systems and human rights in Central and Southeastern Europe.
Jakub Klepal spoke about the ongoing pressures on democratic norms, including attempts to restrict freedom of expression and the influence of external actors who use disinformation to destabilize societies.
Roman Jakič emphasized that the security framework of democratic states is often threatened not only externally but also through internal weakening of institutions, and that establishing proper mechanisms to protect human rights is a prerequisite for democratic resilience.
Daliborka Uljarević pointed out that civil society must play an active role in policymaking, as only through open dialogue and participation can social cohesion be fostered to maintain stability.
Elira Luli and Sead Turčalo contributed to the discussion with analyses of regional security challenges and highlighted the importance of education and research as essential elements for strengthening democratic institutions and norms.
14:00 – 15:00 Panel 4: The Importance of Media Freedom in the Modern World
Speakers: Darko Šuković, Draško Đuranović, Jasmina Muminović, Danica Nikolić, Darko Ivanović
The panel on media freedom was one of the central discussions on the first day.
Darko Šuković spoke candidly about the pressures on journalism and the need for the media to remain independent and accountable, even amid political and economic challenges.
Jasmina Muminović particularly highlighted the importance of local media in informing citizens and the role of investigative journalism in exposing manipulative narratives.
Draško Đuranović and Danica Nikolić focused on the challenges of funding and sustainability for media organizations, noting that without stable and professional media, democracy loses one of its key pillars.
Darko Ivanović, from the civil sector, stressed that public education and raising media literacy must be strategic priorities in order to make society more resilient against fake news and propaganda campaigns.
17:15 – 18:15 Panel 5: Current Situation in Serbia and Reflections on the Western Balkans
Speakers: Balša Božović, Milivoj Bešlin, Aleksej Kišjuhas, Dinko Gruhonjić | Moderator: Emir Pilav
This panel focused on the current political dynamics in Serbia and their impact on the Western Balkans.
Balša Božović analyzed trends in democratic processes, noting that new policies in Serbia are largely centered on centralization and weakening governmental control, creating a model of authoritarian pressures that reverberates across the region.
Milivoj Bešlin approached the topic from a philosophical-theoretical perspective, discussing relations between power and narratives, and suggesting that perceptions of political realities are often used to justify the dictates of political elites.
Aleksej Kišjuhas presented an academic perspective, emphasizing that the scholarly community must serve as a critical voice in analyzing the impact of contemporary policies on democratic processes.
Prof. Dinko Gruhonjić further highlighted that the media and higher education play a significant role in shaping public narratives and must remain independent actors in the fight against polarization and anti-democratic pressures.
18:30 –19:30 Book Presentation: Adnan Prekić – “Past Time Illness”/”Bolesni od prošlosti”
The first day of the Forum concluded with the promotion of Adnan Prekić’s book, Past Time Illness (Bolesni od prošlosti) published by the Analitika Portal. It is a collection of 35 historical essays, written in the period from 2018 to 2020. The conversation with the author was conducted by Milivoj Bešlin.
DAY TWO – 15 NOVEMBER 2025
09:30 – 10:30 Panel 1: Preserving Democratic Values in the Era of Rising Authoritarianism
Speakers: Tinatin Khidasheli, František Lipka, Sašo Ordanoski, Branislav Radulović, Marko Banović | Moderator: Lejla Salihagić Batrićević
The second day of the Forum opened with an examination of the causes and consequences of the rise of authoritarian tendencies.
Tinatin Khidasheli emphasized that the understanding of authoritarianism must go beyond theory – it should be viewed through concrete policies that restrict freedoms, the media, and institutional oversight.
František Lipka stressed that the survival of democracy is largely linked to societies’ resilience to external and internal pressures, and that efforts must be made to strengthen the norms and values that consolidate democracy.
Sašo Ordanoski spoke about a strategic approach to countering authoritarian influences, particularly through education and the strengthening of civil society.
Branislav Radulović added that the legal framework must be strong and independently implemented in order to protect citizens and their freedoms, while Marko Banović pointed to the role of digital spaces and information security in preserving trust in democratic processes.
10:45 – 11:45 Panel 2: Disinformation, Toxic Narratives, and Historical Revisionism
Speakers: Adnan Prekić, Marija Mitevska, Biljana Jovićević, Momčilo Radulović | Moderator: Milan Marković
The panel examined in detail the phenomenon of disinformation and toxic narratives that destabilize societies.
Adnan Prekić analyzed the mechanisms through which false or manipulative information spreads, noting that such content often serves the interests of those seeking to undermine trust in institutions and democracy.
Marija Mitevska spoke from the professional media perspective about how narratives are formed and disseminated, including historical revisionism, and emphasized that citizens, especially young people, must be equipped with critical media literacy.
Biljana Jovićević presented examples from journalistic practice, pointing to the need for verified and reliable sources of information as an antidote to polarizing and harmful messages.
Momčilo Radulović rounded out the discussion by calling for systemic measures that would involve institutions, educational systems, and the media in the fight against disinformation, stressing that without a coordinated societal response, narratives will continue to polarize the public sphere.
12:00 – 12:30 30 Years after Dayton – Is the War Over or Merely Frozen?
Speaker: Sead Jusić | Moderator: Aleksandar Radoman
During the discussion, Sead Jusić analyzed the state of peace in the region 30 years after the Dayton Agreement. Jusić emphasized that the formal end of active conflict did not exhaust tensions, and that many political, ethnic, and geopolitical challenges remain unresolved, often manifesting through tensions within institutions, narratives, and social relations. He stressed that peace must be continuously built through dialogue and changes in political culture, not only through formal agreements.
13:00 – 14:00 Panel 3: The Independent Civil Sector and the Rule of Law as Safeguards Against Anti-Democratic Policies
Speakers: Danijel Kalezić, Nevenka Vuksanović, Draško Jabučanin, Emir Pilav, Dražen Cerović | Moderator: Almedina Dodić
The discussion covered the role of an independent civil society sector and the rule of law as key elements in the defense of democracy.
Danijel Kalezić emphasized that the marginalization of minority rights and the exclusion of certain groups from public dialogue directly undermine democratic foundations, and that civil society organizations must play a strong role in promoting inclusivity.
Nevenka Vuksanović particularly pointed out that without clear rules and their consistent enforcement, the legal system loses credibility, which is reflected in a decline in citizens’ trust in institutions.
Draško Jabučanin contributed to the discussion by analyzing the impact of disinformation on the legal framework and the need for institutions to respond adequately to new forms of manipulation.
Emir Pilav and Dražen Cerović further emphasized that synergy between civil society, academic institutions, and the judicial system represents the most effective response to anti-democratic tendencies.
14:15 – 15:15 Panel 4: The Next Generation: Active Engagement of Youth in Shaping New Democratic, Security, Media, and Cultural Policies
Speakers: Almedina Dodić, Andi Batusha, Ferdinand Fuchs, Sara Čabarkapa | Moderator: Boban Batrićević
In the final panel of the forum, the focus was on the active role of young people in shaping policies related to democracy, security, media, and culture.
Almedina Dodić opened the panel, emphasizing that youth engagement in public processes is not only desirable but essential for the future of democratic societies.
Andi Batusha, from the perspective of security policy, highlighted that young people are often the first to feel the consequences of hybrid threats, including information polarization and media manipulation, and that they need concrete tools and education to participate actively.
Ferdinand Fuchs spoke about the cultural dimension of democratic values, pointing out that young people must be active not only as consumers of information but also as creators of cultural practices that promote solidarity, dialogue, and critical thinking.
Sara Čabarkapa called for young people to network and collaborate across formal boundaries, noting that “the future of democracy depends on their ability to build bridges of understanding”.
Bosnian-Herzegovinian journalist Adem Dedić spoke about the problems facing young people in the Western Balkans, placing special emphasis on the importance of confronting the past. He also referred to the “Sarajevo Safari” affair from the war in Bosnia and Herzegovina, when Serb paramilitary troops organized the killing of civilians with sniper rifles.
The forum was formally closed with a session on conclusions and recommendations, during which WBN Executive Director Boban Batrićević, in his closing remarks, stated:
“You will not be seeing the chapel on Lovćen, you will not be changing the Constitution — pro-European Montenegro will win the elections in 2027”.
GENERAL CONCLUSIONS OF THE FORUM
FORCE 2025 has confirmed Cetinje’s status as a regional platform for reflecting on key issues of democracy, security, media freedom, and the European perspective.
Participants agreed that:
- European integration remains crucial for stability and reforms in the region, but it requires deeper societal change and credibility in the implementation of reforms.
- Diplomacy and international cooperation must be strengthened to respond to contemporary global challenges.
- Media freedom and resilience against disinformation are essential elements of sustainable democratic processes.
- Civil society, independent institutions, and young leaders represent the foundations of a resilient democratic system ready to face the challenges of the 21st century.
