It is normal for Montenegro to foster relationships with nations beyond the European Union (EU). In this regard, we are fully aware of the recent agreement signed with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) concerning economic cooperation and joint investments. Achieving economic growth is essential for Montenegro, but it must conform to EU standards.

This position was officially articulated yesterday by the EU Delegation in Podgorica in response to inquiries from “Vijesti” about the Agreement established between the governments of Montenegro and the UAE. Concerns were raised regarding how this agreement might influence Montenegro’s EU accession process.

“In alignment with EU and Montenegrin public procurement regulations, as well as the Reform Agenda, Montenegro is dedicated to fully implementing the principles of equal treatment, non-discrimination, and transparency in all contracts and agreements made under the cooperation agreement with the UAE,” the Delegation stated.

During its session yesterday, the Government approved two draft laws—one concerning the ratification of the Agreement on Economic Cooperation between Montenegro and the UAE, and another for the ratification of the Agreement on Cooperation in the Field of Tourism and Real Estate Development.

Prime Minister Milojko Spajic announced at a press conference that the Government had consented to these agreements, although ministers from the Democratic People’s Party (DNP) expressed some reservations.

“Vijesti” has learned from various government sources that Deputy Prime Ministers Milun Zogović (DNP) and Momo Koprivica (Democrats), along with Minister of Transportation Maja Vukićević (DNP), voiced their concerns regarding the draft law on the cooperation agreement in tourism and real estate development while unanimously supporting the draft law on economic cooperation.

“Minister Vukićević and Vice President Zogović indicated that while the DNP members welcome investment, there are critical doubts that need further clarification about the specific Agreement on Cooperation in the Field of Tourism and Real Estate Development, along with the mentioned projects. Vice President Koprivica offered no explanation beyond stating his opinion,” remarked a source for “Vijesti”.

After the Government session, Spajić mentioned during a press conference that the agreements would be submitted to Parliament for review, and prior to this, he would engage in discussions with all parliamentary factions to clear up any uncertainties.

The Constitution of Montenegro specifies that ratified international treaties are integral to the internal legal framework and take precedence over domestic laws, being directly applicable when they provide for relations that differ from those established by domestic law. This implies that interstate agreements ratified by Parliament will hold the status of lex specialis law, superseding domestic legislation in case of conflict.

The agreement with the UAE dictates that the country will choose an investor for two real estate projects in the south and north of Montenegro, and guarantees their implementation, according to their claims. Montenegro is tasked with funding communal infrastructure construction to the sites, aligning plans with investor preferences, and issuing requisite building permits.

The Constitution of Montenegro states that ratified international treaties are an integral part of the internal legal order and that they “have primacy over domestic legislation and are directly applicable when they regulate relations differently from domestic legislation.”

Spajić indicated that the selection of the investor is not fully determined yet, although he has held several meetings with a businessman from the UAE, Mohamed Alabaro, who introduced a €30 billion project for significant residential and commercial construction at Velika Plaza, seeking a 99-year lease on it.

Spajić noted that this investor is exploring two additional locations for similar developments—one in a country bordering the Atlantic Ocean and another in the Mediterranean. He emphasized the importance of local governments and all parliamentary factions being accountable for endorsing this project, so they would not have to explain to future generations how they missed out on 35 billion.

The President of the Municipality of Ulcinj, Genzi Nimanbeg, stated yesterday that Ulcinj is not for sale and that the history, identity, and natural resources should not be compromised for narrow interests. A protest will occur on Mala plaža this Saturday, April 5th, at noon, instead of a formal session of the local parliament, with invitations extended by local leaders and political party representatives.

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