'Virus-free' Montenegro to open borders, but not to Serbia

PODGORICA, Montenegro (AP) — Montenegro, the first European country to declare itself free of the coronavirus infection, plans to open its borders to citizens of several European countries except for former ally Serbia — drawing angry reaction from Serbian officials Tuesday.

Announcing the decision, Montenegro’s prime minister said Monday the borders will be opened as of June 1 for nationals of the countries that meet the entry criteria of the small country’s health authorities: to currently have at most 25 COVID-19 patients per 100.000 inhabitants.

Premier Dusko Markovic said the states which meet the criteria are Croatia, Slovenia, Austria, Germany, Poland, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Albania and Greece.

“We will open the borders to the countries that have a similar epidemiological status,” he said. “We will not ask for special tests, everyone will receive clear instructions on what awaits them in the country and what regulations they must respect.”

Markovic didn't mention neighboring Serbia, triggering an angry rebuke from Belgrade — even though Serbia isn't saying it meets Montenegro's entry criteria. Serbs traditionally are the most frequent visitors to Montenegro, which depends highly on tourism revenue.

Serbia’s foreign minister, Ivica Dacic, said Tuesday that Montenegro’s decision is “ridiculous” and politically motivated. Prime Minister Ana Brnabic said it shows that Serbs are unwelcome in the Adriatic state. Both said Serbia for now won’t introduce reciprocal measures.

The last recorded case of the coronavirus in Montenegro was about three weeks ago. The country declared itself free of COVID-19 on Sunday.

A country of 620,000, Montenegro split from much larger Serbia in 2006, but many in Montenegro and Serbia still remain...