The implementation of the Forest Law should be deferred until additional analyses can ensure sustainable forestry management. There is currently a shortage of qualified professionals to enforce the law, and instances from regional practices have shown adverse outcomes. Private forests remain largely unregulated, which necessitates a reevaluation of the responsibilities of the Forest and Hunting Management Administration and new companies…

This assertion was made officially by the Administration in a statement to “Vijesti,” where they emphasized their desire to delay the implementation of the Forest Law.

Despite the fact that Parliament enacted this regulation on July 31 of the previous year, making it effective in mid-August, full implementation has not yet occurred. The law mandated the discontinuation of the concession model for forest utilization by January 1 of this year and the creation of a new company that would assume the majority of responsibilities from the Forest and Hunting Management Administration, including managing the allocation, cutting, and extraction of trees, which has yet to transpire. The company has not been established, nor has the necessary equipment been procured.

“Vijesti” is awaiting a response from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Water Management regarding the reasons for this hold-up.

The Administration acknowledged their agreement with the position of the Trade Union for employees of the yet-to-be-formed company, which called for the postponement of the Forest Law’s implementation at the end of January. They raised concerns over the dire conditions faced by forestry companies in surrounding countries, where workers in Republika Srpska have gone unpaid for months and companies are struggling with substantial debts and potential bankruptcy, despite possessing richer resources than Montenegro. They noted that the Croatian Forests are also experiencing challenges.

“Further analyses are essential, particularly concerning sustainable forestry management. One significant hurdle in implementing this Law is the lack of adequately trained professionals. Modifications to the roles of the Administration and the new company are necessary. We propose that the future company focus solely on forest exploitation, starting with smaller areas to demonstrate its functionality and economic viability. In our region, private forests lack regulation; there is a substantial number of requests for the restitution of forests to private parties, and state-owned forests and lands are often transferred to private ownership through final judgments. This ongoing process has yet to be resolved, and the duration of completion remains uncertain. It is imperative to regulate private forests before discussing a new company, ensuring that private and state forests can be managed similarly to practices in the region and the European Union. These factors were overlooked during the Law’s adoption,” the Administration stressed.

They indicated that their operations align with the Law, emphasizing that had they not issued public calls last year, the supply of raw materials to wood-processing firms would have been disrupted. The Administration explained that based on these calls, they currently maintain one-year contracts with forest users for a total of 353 regular and extraordinary (sanitary) cuttings, amounting to a value of 11,442,409 euros.

Recently, “Vijesti” consulted a source within the forestry sector, who asserted that the primary reason for the delay in implementing the Law is to validate the contracts the Administration has with major concessionaires. He pointed out that these agreements would remain effective until November 2025, even though the Law became effective on the first day of this year. Consequently, the Administration does not currently possess the authority to manage the forests.

The Administration defended their decision, highlighting the absence of a forestry company meant to supply the necessary raw materials.

“All public calls, as previously stated, were made in accordance with the legal framework established in 2024. The Administration is operating within the constraints of the Forest Law. The delineation of responsibilities under the new Law has clarified the roles of the Administration and companies. However, since no company has yet been established, the transfer of certain responsibilities to it will complicate the Administration’s operations. Without the ability to continue regular operations—such as announcing public calls and signing contracts—wood processors would be compelled to halt operations entirely, bringing unforeseeable implications for this sector,” the Administration cautioned.

On January 2026, deputies from the Socialist People’s Party (SNP) urged Parliament to delay the implementation of this regulation until January 17. Sladjana Kaludjerovic and Bogdan Bozovic, with the current Minister of Agriculture Vladimir Jokovic, have submitted amendments concerning the Forest Law for parliamentary review. A vote on this proposal is still pending.

Disposal and Feasibility Studies

The Employee Union of the Administration has appealed to the Government and Parliament, requesting a postponement of the new Forest Law’s implementation to address the current challenging circumstances.

They emphasized that the timeframe for establishing a company is too brief, and that the proposed structure is unsustainable, risking substantial financial losses.

“The Administration has been stripped of critical powers that should never have been removed, particularly considering the expert consensus that the remittance, receipt, and shipment of wood assortments should not fall under the company’s jurisdiction. Our proposal is to initiate the development of analyses and feasibility studies by relevant institutions to assess how the company could contribute to the state budget,” the statement from the Administration Union declares.

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