Montenegro’s government has established a special commission to address relations with Croatia, with a particular focus on the long-running dispute over the training ship “Jadran.”
In the official title of the newly formed body, the vessel is described as a “cultural-historical and military symbol of Montenegro,” underlining Podgorica’s position in the dispute with Zagreb.
The commission will be headed by Montenegrin Defense Minister Dragan Krapović and will be tasked with preparing opinions and proposals for the government, conducting dialogue with Croatia, and cooperating with relevant institutions, scientific bodies, and experts.
The issue of the “Jadran” has remained one of the key unresolved bilateral disputes between the two neighboring countries for years, with Croatia insisting that the ship belongs to Zagreb and should be returned to Split.
The dispute has further strained already sensitive relations between Montenegro and Croatia.
Croatian Defense Minister Ivan Anušić canceled a meeting with Krapović in January 2024 over disagreements related to the “Jadran” and the Morinj detention camp issue.
Relations deteriorated further after the Montenegrin parliament adopted a resolution on Jasenovac, prompting Croatia to declare several Montenegrin politicians persona non grata.
Croatia has already formed its own commission dealing with the return of the training ship “Jadran” and other military assets from Montenegro.
The Croatian body is headed by Foreign Minister Gordan Grlić Radman, who previously stated that Zagreb has no objection to Krapović leading the Montenegrin commission, but stressed that both sides should finally begin formal talks and present their arguments.
The “Jadran” is a three-masted sailing ship built in 1931 for the Royal Yugoslav Navy.
Over the decades, it served as a training vessel for sailors under different state flags and remained in Montenegro following the breakup of Yugoslavia, where it is still used by the Montenegrin Navy.
Croatia argues that the vessel should be returned to Split, making the “Jadran” both a symbolic and political issue that continues to test relations between the two countries.