In January, two attacks targeting LGBTI people took place in Podgorica. The first incident occurred when around 15 young assailants threw stones and glass bottles at two people walking down the street, while shouting homophobic insults. One person sustained minor hand injuries, while the other escaped unharmed. A few days later, the same individuals were again attacked outside their rented apartment. A group of minors armed with metal rods and stones surrounded their taxi. The attackers attempted to force open the vehicle’s door and caused damage to the car. The NGO Queer Montenegro condemned the incidents and called on authorities to take measures to identify and prosecute those responsible, but no outcome has been reported by late 2025.

In November, Montenegrin institutions met in Podgorica to review progress on harmonising national legislation with the 2020 Law on Same-Sex Partnerships, five years after its adoption. Despite the law’s entry into force, full alignment across sectoral legislation remains incomplete, particularly in areas such as social security, taxation, and administrative procedures, limiting the practical enjoyment of rights by same-sex couples. The meeting, organised under the joint EU–Council of Europe action Combating Hatred and Intolerance in Montenegro, brought together representatives of relevant ministries to assess progress since July, identify remaining gaps, and outline next steps. Participants agreed to continue regular coordination, with a follow-up session scheduled for March 2026.

In June, the European Parliament published its periodic report on Montenegro, highlighting concerns that the draft law on legal gender recognition was not adopted in 2024, despite it being a measure under Montenegro’s EU accession programme.

In November, the European Commission released its latest report on Montenegro, noting that, while some progress has been made, the country continues to face outstanding obligations in key EU accession chapters 23 and 24. The report highlights that Montenegro has not yet adopted the Draft Law on Legal Recognition of Gender Identity based on self-determination, despite completing prior legislative steps and consultations with the European Commission. In addition, the Law on Prohibition of Discrimination and the Law on Life Partnership of Persons of the Same Sex remain pending full implementation, with delays exceeding five years in some cases.