The optimal resolution for the issue concerning Bileća Lake is to establish a collaborative committee between Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina that can define a workable compromise, according to Minister of Energy and Mining, Sasa Mujović.

During a recent press briefing, he noted that there were two studies concerning Bileća Lake, which indicated that 24 percent of the area is owned by Montenegro, including 40 percent of the waterfall associated with Bileća Lake. He highlighted that international agreements suggest Montenegro is entitled to certain damage compensations, but clarified that the precise evaluation and the responsible assessing authority remain in question.

“While we could pursue international arbitration, it is a costly and lengthy procedure that would not yield quick results,” Mujović emphasized.

He also mentioned that Republika Srpska has specific demands.

“They contend that the hydroelectric power plant threatens parts of their land and leads to flooding, thereby asserting their right to initiate arbitration,” Mujović remarked.

SDP Presents Resolution to MPs Regarding Bileća Lake

Today, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) submitted a resolution calling for an equitable distribution of the hydropower resources from the HPP “Trebišnjica” due to the formation of Bileća Lake within Montenegro’s jurisdiction.

“The Parliament of Montenegro appeals to all countries involved in the hydroelectric sector to act in a spirit of goodwill,” stated the resolution introduced by Mirko Stanić, President of the SDP Main Board, along with Deputy President Petar Odžić.

Stanić pointed out that Montenegro has not utilized resources properly, asserting that Bileća Lake has submerged 5.08 square kilometers of Montenegrin territory and that the overall lake basin, which extends from Montenegro, comprises between 37 and 42 percent.

“Furthermore, our country, as a neighboring state, has never provided written consent for the water accumulation at Bileća Lake, which has been utilized by Montenegro under hydroaccumulation rights for 58 years for downstream plants,” stated Stanić in his remarks.

He added that the economic benefits generated from this have resulted in damages to Montenegro amounting to hundreds of millions of euros.

Stanić also noted that the electricity company from Republika Srpska, part of Bosnia and Herzegovina, has not compensated the municipality of Nikšić for the flooded land since before 1992, while payments are currently being made to the municipalities of Bileća and Trebinje.