AGP Executive Report

Eurovision Afterglow: Eurovision 2026’s full standings are out, with Montenegro’s Tamara Živković (“Nova Zora”) finishing 13th in Semi-Final 1 and Bulgaria’s Dara (“Bangaranga”) going on to win the Grand Final in Vienna. Montenegro Media Pressure: In Podgorica, the head of Montenegro’s media union says attacks on journalists are hitting record levels, even as some cases reach court—citing unresolved cases like the 2004 murder of Duško Jovanović and the 2018 attempted murder of Olivera Lakić. Press Freedom Watch: Across the region, leaked documents say an Orbán-linked fund may be moving to buy major Balkan media assets, raising fresh fears of media capture. Arts & Culture Calendar: The OREA Art Market returns June 14 in Sarajevo, with vendors from Croatia, Serbia, and Montenegro and a bigger social, evening-focused format. Travel & Lifestyle: New flynas direct routes from Riyadh include seasonal flights to Podgorica, adding another summer option for Montenegro-bound visitors.

Prison Pressure Report: The Council of Europe says overcrowding is worsening across Europe, with more older and women detainees as inmate-per-place figures creep up—severe overcrowding reported in countries including Croatia, France, Italy, Malta, Cyprus, Hungary, Belgium and Ireland. Montenegro Media Climate: In Montenegro, the media union warns that hate speech and political polarization are driving a record number of journalist incidents, even as officials show “greater readiness” to respond—while unresolved cases like the 2004 murder of Duško Jovanović and the 2018 attempted murder of Olivera Lakić still hang over the system. Eurovision Afterglow: Eurovision 2026’s semi-final standings were published after the Vienna Grand Final, with Montenegro’s Tamara Živković placing 13th in Semi-Final 1. Arts & Culture: A documentary by Biljana Tutorov and Petar Glomazić, To Hold a Mountain, won top prize at Millennium Docs Against Gravity—Serbia-Montenegro’s spotlight on family, grief and rural resilience. Travel/Leisure: New flynas direct routes from Riyadh include seasonal service to Podgorica, adding another summer option for Montenegro-bound visitors.

House-Arrest Shift: Konstantin Rudnev has been moved from Argentina’s remote maximum-security prison to house arrest in Buenos Aires—described by his wife as “the beginning of a new stage” after 14 months without trial. Press Freedom Under Strain: In Montenegro, the media union chief Radomir Kračković says attacks and hate speech are hitting record levels, with major cases still unresolved. Eurovision Results: Eurovision 2026’s semi-final standings are out, and Montenegro’s Tamara Živković (“Nova Zora”) finished 13th in Semi-Final 1. Arts & Film: The Montenegrin-linked documentary “To Hold a Mountain” won the Grand Prix at Millennium Docs Against Gravity in Warsaw. Travel & Culture: A new OREA Art Market is set for June 14 in Sarajevo, with vendors from the region and a full evening program. Regional Media Watch: Reports also flag Orbán-linked influence fears around a planned Balkan media sale that could affect outlets including N1 and Nova across the region.

Press Freedom Watch: Montenegro’s media union head Radomir Kračković says attacks on journalists are hitting record levels, even as some cases reach court—while unresolved cases like the 2004 murder of Duško Jovanović and the 2018 attempted murder of Olivera Lakić still hang over the system. Regional Energy Build-Out: Neoen has started construction on a 25MW/100MWh, 4-hour battery project in Italy, and Nofar is pushing ahead with two big Romania BESS builds totaling 160MW/340MWh and 120MW/520MWh. Montenegro in the Spotlight: A Belarusian filmmaker’s Montenegro trip was canceled after Ryanair rejected his travel document—now his Johnny Cosmic project is set to continue elsewhere. Culture & Media Market: A leaked deal tied to an Orbán-linked fund raises fresh alarms about press freedom as United Group prepares to sell regional outlets including N1 and Nova. Arts & Film: “To Hold a Mountain” won top prize at Millennium Docs Against Gravity, spotlighting Montenegrin highlands, sisterhood, and nature.

Eurovision Buzz (Vienna): Bulgaria’s Dara won Eurovision 2026 with “Bangaranga,” edging Israel at the finish as protests and boycott fallout kept the contest tense. Montenegro Arts & Culture: A Montenegro-set documentary, “To Hold a Mountain,” won top prize at Millennium Docs Against Gravity in Poland, spotlighting sisterhood and rural life in the Montenegrin highlands. Regional Politics: Tensions flared between Belgrade and Podgorica over Montenegro’s 20th independence anniversary, with sharp rhetoric from Serbia’s president. Sports (Local Flavor): In the US, MCC boys golf placed 6th at a Hart jamboree, with freshmen Lane Sterley and Colten Thwaites tying for 12th. Ongoing Watch: A Belarusian filmmaker’s Montenegro screening was canceled after airline document issues, while his new “Johnny Cosmic” project continues to draw attention.

Poker & Tourism Buzz: Fedor Holz just won the $40K Mystery Bounty at Triton Montenegro, cracking Kings & Jacks on the bubble and heading toward a likely $1M+ haul after mystery bounties are redeemed at Maestral Casino. Sports Spotlight: Luka Modrić has been named Croatia’s captain for the 2026 World Cup as Zlatko Dalić selects a 26-man squad. Eurovision Heat: Bulgaria’s Dara won Eurovision 2026 with “Bangaranga,” while Montenegro’s own Eurovision hopes were already dashed earlier in the week. Montenegro Independence Tensions: Serbia’s Aleksandar Vučić says he won’t attend Montenegro’s 20th-anniversary independence celebrations, escalating a fresh Belgrade–Podgorica spat. Arts & Film: “To Hold a Mountain,” set in Montenegro, took top prize at Millennium Docs Against Gravity in Poland, spotlighting sisterhood and rural life. Press Freedom Watch: A leaked deal tied to an Orbán-linked fund is raising alarms about the future of a major Balkan media network, including outlets with reach in Montenegro.

Eurovision Finale: Bulgaria’s Dara won Eurovision 2026 in Vienna with “Bangaranga,” finishing ahead of Israel in a year marked by protests and boycotts. Montenegro Spotlight: A Montenegro-set documentary, “To Hold a Mountain,” took the Grand Prix at Millennium Docs Against Gravity in Warsaw—an intimate sisterhood story rooted in the highlands. Cultural Travel & Film: A Belarusian filmmaker’s Montenegro screening was canceled after Ryanair rejected his travel document, derailing plans for a project about “Johnny Cosmic.” Regional Politics: Tensions flared between Belgrade and Podgorica over Montenegro’s 20th independence anniversary, after Serbian President Vučić refused to attend. Media Freedom Watch: A leaked deal suggests a Balkan news network could be sold to an Orbán-linked fund, raising fresh press-freedom alarms across the region. Arts & Wellness Tourism: Porto Montenegro’s new fitness-and-wellbeing hotel scene keeps drawing attention, including Olympic-level training.

Senate Protest Fallout: Cordillera progressive groups hit back at the Philippines Senate, calling it a “circus” and demanding accountability over corruption and worsening living costs, with protesters also targeting Vice President Sara Duterte and President Marcos over confidential funds. Eurovision Wrap: In Vienna, Bulgaria’s Dara won Eurovision with “Bangaranga,” while the UK’s Look Mum No Computer landed low and still faced “nul points” from multiple juries. Montenegro in the Spotlight: A Belarusian documentary filmmaker’s planned Montenegro screening was canceled after Ryanair rejected his travel document—while Montenegro’s own documentary “To Hold a Mountain” just won top prize at Millennium Docs Against Gravity. Media Freedom Watch: A leaked deal suggests Orbán-linked investors may be moving to buy a major Balkan media network, raising fresh press-freedom alarms. Regional Tensions: Serbia’s president says he won’t attend Montenegro’s independence anniversary events, as Belgrade–Podgorica rhetoric flares again. Infrastructure Boost: Montenegro signed contracts for EIB/EU-backed upgrades, including a Bar–Golubovci rail upgrade and renewable-energy support for SMEs.

Eurovision Finale: Bulgaria won Eurovision 2026 in Vienna with Dara’s “Bangaranga,” finishing ahead of Israel (2nd) and Romania (3rd), while Greece’s Akylas took 10th and Cyprus ended 19th. UK Scoreboard Shock: The UK’s Look Mum No Computer landed 25th and received nul points from a long list of juries, including Bulgaria and Israel—another reminder that Eurovision can turn brutal fast. Montenegro in the Spotlight: Montenegro’s independence anniversary sparked fresh Belgrade–Podgorica tension, with Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić refusing to attend the May 21 celebrations. Arts & Film: Montenegro’s “To Hold a Mountain” won top prize at Millennium Docs Against Gravity, praised for its intimate sisterhood story set in the highlands. Media Freedom Watch: A leaked deal involving an Orbán-linked fund reportedly aims to buy major Balkan media assets, raising alarms for press freedom across the region.

Eurovision in Vienna: The 2026 Grand Final is set after Semi-final 2, with Australia’s Delta Goodrem and the UK’s Look Mum No Computer among the acts still in the running, while Bulgaria’s DARA is tipped after qualifying and will perform entry #12 on Saturday. Montenegro in the spotlight: Montenegro’s independence anniversary politics are flaring again—Serbia’s Aleksandar Vučić says he won’t attend the celebrations, calling them “secession” celebrations, as tensions between Belgrade and Podgorica heat up. Arts & film: Montenegro’s documentary “To Hold a Mountain” just won top prize at Millennium Docs Against Gravity, praised for sisterhood and rural life in the highlands. Culture meets business: A leaked plan to sell a major Balkan media network tied to Orbán-linked investors is raising fresh press-freedom alarms across the region. Travel buzz: New direct flights are pushing Montenegro’s coast—especially around Tivat and the Bay of Kotor—hard as a summer must-go.

Eurovision Finale Countdown: The 2026 Eurovision Grand Final is set for Vienna after a tense Semi-Final 2, with Australia’s Delta Goodrem and Look Mum No Computer (UK) among the acts still in the mix, while Israel’s performance continues to spark protests and boos across the arena. Montenegro in the Spotlight: Montenegro’s independence anniversary is also fueling regional friction, with Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić saying he won’t attend the celebrations and escalating the rhetoric between Belgrade and Podgorica. Press Freedom Alarm: A leaked deal suggests Orbán-linked investors may move to buy a major Balkan media network, raising fresh fears of media capture across the region. Film & Culture: Montenegro’s documentary “To Hold a Mountain” won top honors at Millennium Docs Against Gravity, spotlighting sisterhood and rural life. Infrastructure Boost: Montenegro signs major funding for healthcare upgrades and a Bar–Golubovci railway upgrade, plus renewable energy support for SMEs.

Eurovision Buzz: Bulgaria’s DARA storms into the final with “Bangaranga,” set to perform Saturday as entry #12, while the second semi-final is already underway in Vienna and fans keep a close eye on voting drama and tech complaints. Regional Tensions: Belgrade and Podgorica trade sharp words over Montenegro’s 20th anniversary of independence restoration, after Serbia’s president said he won’t attend and accused Montenegro of “secession.” Justice Push: A “point of no return” moment as 36 countries back a special tribunal to prosecute Vladimir Putin for the crime of aggression, with the EU signaling it intends to join. Montenegro Arts & Culture: “To Hold a Mountain” (Biljana Tutorov and Petar Glomazić) wins top prize at Millennium Docs Against Gravity, spotlighting Montenegro-set rural life and family bonds. Arts in the Spotlight: Montenegro’s anti-fascist monuments and how they’re interpreted are in focus again, as debates over memorials and meaning continue.

Eurovision Fallout: In Vienna, the second semi-final is underway with 15 acts chasing 10 final spots, after Tuesday’s show sent Montenegro home and sparked fresh controversy around Israel—where a protester was dragged out in handcuffs during the performance and chants of “stop the genocide” echoed. Montenegro in the Spotlight: Serbia’s Aleksandar Vučić says he won’t attend Montenegro’s independence anniversary celebrations, framing it as a “shameful” celebration of separation. Media Freedom Under Pressure: A Balkan media empire (United Group) is reportedly set for sale in a €30m deal tied to an Orbán-linked fund, raising alarms about political influence over outlets that have served as rare critical voices across the region. EU Legal Moves: Montenegro is among countries aligning with EU steps extending restrictions tied to Russia’s shadow fleet and sanctions workarounds. Arts & Culture: Millennium Docs Against Gravity in Poland crowned Montenegro-set “To Hold A Mountain” among its big winners.

Media Ownership Shake-Up: United Group is preparing a €30m sale of regional TV assets (including N1 and Nova S, with reach into Montenegro) to a Luxembourg fund tied to Alpac Capital—names linked in reporting to Viktor Orbán’s orbit—raising fresh alarms about political influence over “independent” Balkan journalism. Eurovision Fallout: In Vienna, the second semi-final is underway after Tuesday’s first round, where Israel and Finland advanced amid pro-Palestine chants and a protester being removed by security; Montenegro’s entry failed to qualify. EU-Montenegro Development: The EIB and EU are backing Montenegro with new healthcare and infrastructure money, including €31.6m for hospitals/health systems and a €175m Bar–Golubovci rail upgrade plus €50m for SME energy projects. EU Sanctions Alignment: Montenegro has aligned with expanded EU Russia measures targeting the shadow fleet and related workarounds. Arts & Culture Lens: Montenegro’s anti-fascist memorials and how they’re restored—and interpreted—remain in focus as cultural authorities say many sites are in “satisfactory condition.”

Eurovision Tension in Vienna: The second Eurovision semi-final is underway in the Wiener Stadthalle, after the first semi-final delivered a mix of hits and flashpoints—Finland and Israel both qualified, while Montenegro was eliminated. Protest vs. Pop: Israel’s performance was met with “stop the genocide” chants and a protester was removed in handcuffs, underscoring how Gaza politics are now colliding with the contest’s “non-political” brand. Boy George Fallout: San Marino’s entry, featuring Culture Club’s Boy George, crashed out—fans called his cameo “pointless” and “ruined” their chances. Local Arts Lens: In Montenegro, anti-fascist memorials are back in focus, with reporting on how restoration and interpretation shape what younger audiences understand. Travel & Culture Backdrop: Tui says UK summer bookings fell 10% as holidaymakers delay decisions, while new flight routes (including to Tivat) keep the travel conversation moving.

Eurovision in the spotlight: The first Eurovision semi-final in Vienna ended with Finland and Israel booking grand-final spots, but the night was dominated by protest and security after chants of “stop the genocide” during Israel’s Noam Bettan performance and a protester being forcibly removed in handcuffs. Boycott fallout: Five countries stayed away from the contest in protest over Israel’s Gaza war, shrinking the field to the smallest since 2003 and turning the music event into a political flashpoint. On-the-ground friction: Fans also complained about BBC sound and broadcast glitches, while the results show sparked extra online anger over on-screen graphics. EU justice move: Separately, the EU formally signaled it wants to join the Special Tribunal agreement for the crime of aggression against Ukraine, with Montenegro among those indicating intent.