The economic consequences of the Middle East conflict for Western Balkan countries are generally indirect and limited, according to trade data and expert analysis, with effects more visible through ideological or geopolitical alignments. The exception is Montenegro, which is already experiencing a negative impact on its tourism sector.
Three Israeli airlines have temporarily suspended flights to Montenegro, resulting in over 70 canceled flights to Tivat by the end of June, according to Montenegro Airports. Hotel reservations by Israeli tourists in places like Kolašin have also been canceled.
Last summer, over 130,000 passengers arrived in Montenegro from Israel. In 2023 alone, Montenegro welcomed 74,000 Israeli tourists, making them the most numerous non-European visitors, with their numbers steadily increasing since 2021. For 2025, 200,000 arrivals were expected.
The escalation of the Israel-Iran conflict and threats to shipping lanes have led to modest oil price increases. While Montenegro’s Ministry of Energy has warned that oil prices could continue rising, it maintains that current fuel supply remains stable. Energy Minister Admir Šahmanović emphasized that past global crises were often used as an excuse for unjustified price hikes, warning against repeating such practices.
