Coastal municipalities in Montenegro have asserted the need for decentralization in coastal management. Hence, they aspire to oversee the protection of the coastal zone, the communal infrastructure, and ports, while also developing bathing area plans. These reforms will be executed by a newly established company created by the Government, with the Public Company for Coastal Zone Management assuming a regulatory role.

This announcement was made during a press conference where the initiative from six coastal municipalities was unveiled, along with proposed amendments to the Law on Maritime Domain.

Today, parliamentarians from the Albanian Alliance, Albanian Forum, Democratic Union of Albanians, Bosniak Party, and Democrats introduced amendments to the Law on Maritime Domain, the Law on Ports, and the Law on Construction of Facilities, in response to the initiative from the six southern municipalities.

Ilir Čapuni, an MP from the Albanian Alliance, articulated that these legislative changes, particularly the amendments to the Law on Construction of Facilities, stem from the stagnation of investments in coastal municipalities.

“This legislative package is the culmination of efforts by all coastal municipalities and the Union of Municipalities. The primary change involves restoring governance to municipalities, as they best comprehend their own needs,” he stated.

He emphasized that these reforms would see a new government-established company take on roles previously held by municipalities, providing them with greater control. Čapuni noted that these reforms have been in development for six months, aligning with international conventions, and urged MPs to support the proposed changes.

Democratic MP Momčilo Leković remarked that submitting these amendments initiates a dialogue, marking a significant day for coastal municipalities, which have suffered from poor management for decades.

“The municipalities’ voices have gone unheard, and revenue has not been redirected due to years of inadequate coastal management,” he explained, asserting that centralized control over the coast would no longer be acceptable.

Čapuni also noted that the amendments were endorsed by five MPs from the Albanian Alliance, Albanian Forum, Bosniak Party, and Democrats. He pointed out that the winter season hindered the amendments from being adopted in December, but they remain the official proposers.

Genci Nimanbegu, the President of the Municipality of Ulcinj, stated that this initiative represents a significant democratic advancement, forged by various parties and coalitions unified in their stance.

“We provided a fair solution concerning the maritime domain. Their role would be to oversee management,” he commented, expressing caution before announcing support for these changes.

Stevan Katić, the Mayor of Herceg Novi Municipality, expressed his anticipation for parliamentary support for the law.

“Herceg Novi is capable of managing its territory far more effectively than before; this is a new impetus,” Katić highlighted, revealing plans to negotiate with Tivat to manage the Kamenari-Lepetane ferry line through a joint company.

Vladimir Jokić, the Mayor of Kotor Municipality, stressed that this proposal signifies a major step forward, removing governmental oversight while allowing the executive branch and the company to manage protected areas, leaving municipalities responsible for marine domain zones. He criticized the current level of control, noting that even minor tasks such as changing a light bulb require a permit.

“Kotor is the rightful owner and manager, capable of distributing public invites and overseeing business premises in the Old Town without encountering corruption scandals, a trend expected to continue in other municipalities as well,” Jokić stated.

Budva’s Municipality President, Nikola Jovanović, conveyed his skepticism but hoped that lawmakers would endorse the legislation, empowering municipalities with responsibilities and benefits.

He suggested that Morsko dobro operates curiously outside the Law on Business Companies, asserting that municipalities had control up until 1992.

“At present, we are forfeiting revenues that should benefit local residents. The Port of Budva has been transferred to the Coastal Zone and could be concessioned for usage. This is a pivotal moment for those whose electoral platforms included dismantling the Coastal Zone and pursuing decentralization toward EU integration,” he insisted, advocating for the citizens to manage municipal coastal areas.

Dušan Raičević, the Mayor of Bar Municipality, shared that the initiative was developed in the middle of last year and submitted in mid-December. He emphasized that past tenders highlighted the necessity of this initiative as a starting point in the fight for decentralization.

Željko Komnenović, the President of Tivat Municipality, remarked that he couldn’t recall when coastal municipalities last united around a common initiative.

Nimanbegu pointed out that these changes do not resolve the tender issue and they have requested contract addendums with beach tenants to spend an entire year addressing citizens’ coastal development requests. He further mentioned that he would discuss a meeting tomorrow with Mohamed Alabar, whose company is planning a multi-billion euro project in Ulcinj.

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