We urge Members of Parliament not to proceed with voting on the Bill to Ratify the Agreement with the United Arab Emirates today, which concerns tourism and real estate development. We call for a delay until the European Commission, the Competition Protection Agency, and the Anti-Corruption Agency provide their assessments.

This message was conveyed by Jovana Janjušević, the director of the Center for the Protection and Study of Birds, during a protest in front of the parliament building organized by the “Big Beach or Big Lie” initiative.

Janjušević expressed concern that the entire process is hasty and lacks transparency, excluding input from the professional community and local residents.

“Within less than 20 days post-signature, this is already on the Assembly’s agenda. Today, the Assembly is not just deciding about Velika Plaza, but also about our nation’s sovereignty. The agreement that grants investors from the UAE privileged status raises significant concerns. Velika Plaza is one of the most precious ecosystems along our coast,” she highlighted, noting that this site is expected to become a “Natura 2000” habitat upon entering the European Union.

She furthered that the Ulcinj Salt Pans are critical as the final marker for concluding Chapter 27 of negotiations, yet the Prime Minister Milojko Spajić and the MPs seem to disregard the importance of protected areas.

“Despite our Constitution declaring us an ecological state, I fear this remains merely a formality. The agreement is unlawful as it neglects investor responsibility and lacks a control mechanism…”

Video: Mirko Kotlas

The “Big Beach or Big Lie” coalition includes: Center for Bird Protection and Research (CZIP), NGO EnvPro, NGO Dinarida Parks, Center for Investigative Journalism (CINCG), NGO KANA, Dr. Martin Schneider-Jacoby Association (MSJA), CEE Bankwatch Network, NGO Montenegrin Society of Ecologists, NGO Green Home, NGO MogUL, Portal Ulcinj info, NGO Network for the Affirmation of the Non-Governmental Sector (MANS), Biciklo.me, Expeditio, NGO Gradionica, and Center for Civic Education (CCE).

Ulcinj activist Zenepa Lika remarked that they came to the Parliament because the Government had been unresponsive for a month, and the beach tenders revealed Prime Minister Milojko Spajić and his associates’ obscure and unusual plans.

“This unfolded the total concreteization and disregard for the local community, as if we don’t exist. We will stand up for our state because those meant to serve its interests are not. The Municipality of Ulcinj has asked for respect, but the Government is neglecting it, and we belong to this state. Our Constitution does not permit our erasure. The people of Ulcinj oppose the appropriation of Velika Plaza,” she emphasized.

She also stated that the MPs who vote in favor of these agreements are not aligning themselves with the right side of history, while the citizens are.

News