MTEL Montenegro had 34 recorded links with state institutions from 2020, including 10 in 2026, according to a review published on X by consulting firm Fidelity Consulting. The count includes sponsorships, donations and business agreements with the government, ministries and state bodies.
The review recorded the highest number of connections in 2026, with 10. Fidelity said the overview did not suggest that any link was improper, but showed the breadth of cooperation between the telecoms company and public institutions.
Among the examples, MTEL was general sponsor of the eighth Digital Summit of the Western Balkans, held from 12 to 14 October under the government’s patronage during Montenegro’s presidency of the Berlin Process. The Ministry of Public Administration was also listed among state institutions connected with the company.
In March, the Ministry of Education, Science and Innovation signed a memorandum under which MTEL committed to providing schools with free internet for the next 10 years. The ministry and MTEL also held joint receptions for athletes and competitors. MTEL separately signed a strategic partnership memorandum with the Science and Technology Park.
The company was a platinum sponsor of the Adria Future Summit, organised in partnership with the government. It was also a general sponsor or sponsor of book fairs and festivals held under the patronage of the ministries responsible for culture and tourism.
The parliamentary group of the Europe Now Movement (PES) announced on 1 November a control hearing before the Committee on Security and Defence on possible hybrid influence. The hearing is to examine the financial, ownership and business relationships of national-coverage television stations with MTEL, Alta Bank and related parties.
Prime Minister Milojko Spajić said current events confirmed the seriousness of security information about possible hybrid interference. Fidelity Consulting noted that the PES initiative contained no specific contracts or evidence of influence, and that MTEL’s response had not been published.
