After a decade of accession negotiations with the EU, from the former frontrunner in speed, Montenegro is now the leader in the duration of this process in the Western Balkans and the number of lost chances. Except Turkey, no country negotiates longer and with a poorer track record that even simulating of reforms can no longer hide. Decision-makers perceive European integration superficially, they advocate for it rhetorically, knowing that the vast majority of citizens express their support for that process, but they do not want to commit sincerely to it in their desire to keep as many levers of power as possible.