Independence Day (Montenegro)
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Independence Day (Montenegrin: Dan nezavisnosti / Дан независности) is observed in Montenegro on 21 May to commemorate the passage of the 2006 Montenegrin independence referendum, marking Montenegro's independence from Serbia and Montenegro.
Citizens of the Republic of Montenegro, a member constituency of the State Union of Serbia and Montenegro, voted in an independence referendum on 21 May 2006. All members of the Montenegrin diaspora, with the exception of Montenegrins living in Serbia, were able to vote.[1] Voters were asked "Do you want the Republic of Montenegro to be an international state with full international and legal subjectivity?"[a][2] The movement for independence was largely supported by ethnic Montenegrins and the government of Montenegro, especially Prime Minister Milo Đukanović. Opposed to the movement were mostly ethnic Serbs, including the Republic of Serbia and the Montenegrin Orthodox Church. Pro-union supporters accused Đukanović of wanting his own "private state."[1]
Voter turnout for the referendum was 86.49%,[3] with 55.5% of voters in favor of the referendum, just above the 55% threshold proposed by the European Union for international recognition. On 3 June, the Parliament of Montenegro formally declared independence from its union with Serbia.[1][4]
Observance
Both local and state authorities organize celebrations across the country, with local artists holding concerts. Media representatives, government officials, and foreign diplomats are often in attendance for Independence Day celebrations.[5] The prime minister of Montenegro often holds a reception for the holiday and gives an address to the nation.[6][7] The final of the Montenegrin Men's Handball Cup is held on Independence Day.[8]
In 2024, the New York City Council hosted a Montenegrin Independence Day event at New York City Hall.[9]