Members of Parliament have concluded their discussions regarding the Proposal for a Decision on the Adoption of the Spatial Plan of Montenegro until 2040, with a vote scheduled for a future date.

The Government approved the Spatial Plan during a session on June 12th, which serves as a strategic framework for spatial planning, development, usage, and protection of Montenegro until 2040.

The Democratic Party of Socialists (DPS) has called for the withdrawal of the Spatial Plan, stating that the public debate concluded in the summer of the previous year, while the Velje Brdo project was introduced in September 2024, alongside investments from the United Arab Emirates presented at the start of this year. They noted a significant disconnect between the Draft discussed during the public debate and the current version before parliament.

MP Nikola Milović from the DPS remarked that the document has been under development since 2019 and has encountered numerous obstacles, with the discussion focusing on several non-viable projects. He indicated that the DPS would not support this document.

A similar request for withdrawal was made by the Social Democrats, who inquired if there is a plan in place for earthquake protection in the forthcoming Velje Brdo and Buljarica projects.

Minister of Spatial Planning, Urbanism, and State Property, Slaven Radunović, emphasized that Buljarica and Velika plaza are included in the master plan, and no changes have been made. He noted the need to utilize the potential of hinterland areas.

Svetlana Jovanović, head of the Spatial Plan’s development, explained that they have been assessing previous goals, noting no significant advancements compared to earlier plans. She affirmed that all comments from the public hearing were addressed, with a focus on sustainable development, transport infrastructure enhancement, and waste management improvements.

“In our recent discussions, it seems the planning and strategic matters versus the detailed conditions necessary for development are not properly grasped. As the manager of this expert team, I cannot endorse such misunderstandings. If we could implement at least 70% of this plan, Montenegro would truly thrive…” Jovanović emphasized.

Which zones are protected?

MP Ana Novaković Đurović from the Civic Movement URA pointed out that the discussion surrounding the Spatial Plan was stalled during the Dritan Abazović government, stressing that the identity of the document’s adopter is secondary. She questioned why the expert team’s efforts are being dismissed due to the hastiness in adopting the plan outside established procedures.

“Are ministers aware of the Environmental Protection Agency report’s findings? I understand that consent is not critical for plan adoption, though familiarization is mandatory. Why commission a 600-700 page report if consent is nonessential?” she queried.

Novaković Đurović highlighted that the housing policy section proposes a solution through the Velje Brdo project, yet lacks clarity on the criteria for its inclusion. She raised concerns about the risks of construction in relation to earthquakes, which seem neglected.

“I am aware of the assertion that the Komarnica hydroelectric power plant should be constructed and that it has been added to the list of energy projects. An alternative to the Thermal Power Plant should also be integrated into this document,” she suggested, while expressing uncertainty about which state space protected zones would be identified.

Will reduce the capacity of Komarnica

Radunović reaffirmed their commitment to adopting the Spatial Plan by the end of June, noting that Montenegro stands to gain 2.3 million euros if the document is passed by June 30. He clarified that the adoption process occurs in Parliament, accompanied by the Agency’s consent, which they possess, asserting that everything aligns with legal requirements.

“You were the first to ridicule the notion of Velje Brdo’s development; now it’s becoming a reality. Now, you shift your criticism, perhaps not expecting the Spatial Plan’s regulation of Velje Brdo, which is handled through broader spatial and urban plans. The Urban Development Plan for Podgorica will soon be adopted. Initial phases are aimed to cover roughly two city blocks…” Radunović noted.

Regarding Komarnica, he acknowledged there is a need for its capacity to be moderated to maintain balance within the energy system. Jovanović mentioned that the draft plan has seen improvements but reiterated that major changes would necessitate a new public debate. DPS MPs remarked that construction parameters for the Buljarica area have altered from the draft, as have highway and infrastructure routes.

Novaković Đurović criticized that the plan was reviewed and adopted without a strategic environmental impact assessment report, while Radunović previously dismissed such concerns as trivial. She argues that the document should have been submitted to the Government for approval, and expressed that planning for Velje Brdo remains ambiguous.

The New Serbian Democracy party expressed hopes for the plan’s adoption, emphasizing that those opposing it may not wish well for Montenegro. They compared it to the previous plan from 2010, which they claim has adversely affected the country. They also noted that whereas the public debate for the current iteration lasted three months, it had originally been scheduled for just 30 days.

“I anticipate the passage of the Law on the Legalization of Buildings this year, allowing us to assess the ramifications of unregulated construction practices, which tend to intensify between elections. The outcome is likely to expose the extent of unapproved structures… I hope to conclude this process within the year,” stated MP Dejan Đurović.

Unattainable goals

Social Democrats criticized the plan for containing numerous unattainable objectives, questioning the rationale behind their inclusion. They expressed concerns regarding the numerous highways and airports outlined, implying many aspirations and commitments remain unrealistic.

The Democratic party emphasized their desire for the plan to not merely exist as written text, but to transform into a dynamic document that fosters sustainable development and economic advancement. They are optimistic about the potential for Montenegrin territory to flourish by 2040 and declared their intention to support the document.

The DPS further stressed that they had yet to receive clear answers to essential queries, expressing skepticism over the feasibility of constructing 623 meters of roadway, as opposed to a total of 623 kilometers of highways and expressways. They argued that recent discussions have unfolded within an opaque framework, with the current majority’s political agendas unduly influencing the plan, leading them to request a fresh public discussion due to the later presentation of Velje Brdo.

“Who can place trust in a government that presents this to us? What proof exists of success? The most alarming aspect is the Velji Brdo project, which suggests a migration from the northern regions to Podgorica, rather than retention in the north. It would be prudent to propose a realistic and sustainable plan; instead, what’s on offer appears populist, laden with political aspirations that ultimately do not benefit citizens…” asserted their MP Nikola Rakočević.

Jovanović highlighted that local municipalities are also advocating for a state housing fund, which has been proposed as part of the plan.

Independent MP Radinka Ćinćur remarked that Buljarica’s construction had not been adequately addressed, while also stating that Komarnica’s development contravenes EU guidelines regarding water, flora, and fauna.

The Bosniak Party expressed support for the Spatial Plan, hoping for its thorough implementation.

Radunović added that the plan should lay the groundwork for numerous new Urban Planning Projects (PUPs), expressing belief that satisfaction with the plan will grow over time, noting increased governmental effort and higher frequency of electronic sessions.

The Europe Now Movement pointed out that public discussions in various municipalities were fruitful and comprehensive, committing to support the Spatial Plan.

This session’s agenda also features amendments to this year’s budget, addressing the adjustments prompted by the establishment of the ministries of public works and energy and mining, as well as changes to the Law on Public Gatherings and Events, the Maritime Domain, Ports, and Construction of Facilities…

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