The agreements signed by Montenegro with the United Arab Emirates on March 28, which include the Agreement on Economic Cooperation and the Agreement on Cooperation in the Sectors of Tourism and Real Estate Development, fully comply with the Constitution of Montenegro and the obligations stemming from the Stabilization and Association Agreement (SAA) with the European Union, stated Minister of European Affairs Maida Gorčević.

“Legal analyses conducted prior to the signing of these Agreements demonstrate clearly that they do not possess discriminatory clauses, align with principles of transparency and competition, and adhere to legally mandated public procurement procedures, which are already consistent with Directive 2014/24/EU. Their execution will fall within the framework of domestic laws that align with the EU acquis and will be subject to oversight by both domestic and European institutions,” she remarked.

She further noted that every specific project emerging from these agreements must undergo the established process, without any chance of exemption from the legal standards and obligations Montenegro upholds as a candidate for EU membership.

“The mere presence of a legal framework for strategic collaboration with third countries, provided it adheres to European norms, does not threaten Montenegro’s path toward Europe. On the contrary, fostering economic growth through transparent investments aids in reinforcing the capacity to implement European reforms, which aligns with both the SAA and the Growth Plan,” she added.

Gorčević reaffirmed that the Government’s primary foreign policy objective remains EU membership.

“The entire administration is earnestly striving to meet the challenging demands of closing negotiation chapters and carrying out reforms. As we approach the conclusion of our twelve-year EU journey, it is unrealistic to assume we would consent to anything that could jeopardize that trajectory,” she continued.

She emphasized that “sensationalist narratives lacking a legal foundation neither serve the public’s understanding nor aid in strengthening institutions.”

“If there are indeed grounds for questioning the legality of these signed agreements, the rule of law provides clear avenues for action—criminal charges and institutional responses. Everything else amounts to unnecessary political theatrics.”

She stated that the rule of law and faith in institutions are foundational for Montenegro’s European journey.

“Thus, rather than engaging in inflammatory rhetoric and baseless accusations, I urge all concerned parties to utilize legal solutions if they perceive any irregularities. Otherwise, it would be both responsible and correct to avoid public scrutiny and insinuations that lack factual support,” her statement concluded.

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