The assertion by Prime Minister Milojko Spajić that the Draft Agreement the Government plans to sign with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) mirrors those already made with France and Italy is misleading. None of the previous agreements contain clauses permitting the opaque distribution of state land without a public call, tender, or competition.

This statement was made by the director of the Network for the Affirmation of the Non-Governmental Sector (MANS), Vanja Ćalović Marković, in an interview with “Vijesti”.

“The Prime Minister’s claim that Montenegro has already entered into similar agreements with France and Italy, and that the European Union has a comparable agreement with the Emirates, is incorrect. None of these agreements have provisions that can be compared to the most contentious aspects of the deal between Montenegro and the UAE, particularly regarding the opaque process of allocating state land without a public call, tender, or competitive procedure,” stated Ćalović Marković.

Spajić’s Assurance Against Corruption

Spajić made remarks about the similarities with past agreements during a recent event at the Prime Minister’s Office, stating that this initiative would facilitate attracting serious investors to Montenegro for business growth. He stressed that corruption and illicit capital would have no place in this agreement since all procedures will comply with the Law on the Prevention of Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorism and assured that the UAE backs the projects…

“A very similar agreement that Montenegro will sign has already been established between the European Union and the UAE. Every intergovernmental agreement Montenegro signs includes a clause on public procurement and tenders, which is a standard stipulation we’ve also signed with France, Israel, Italy, Hungary, and every other European nation when entering agreements. The claim that this is specifically tailored for anyone is misleading. The key point is that the UAE guarantees and supports the project,” emphasized Spajić, further adding that “the United States is set to finalize a comparable agreement with the UAE soon, aiming to invest €1.1 billion over the next decade.”

The Government Delegation, headed by Spajić, is currently visiting the Emirates, where it is planned that they will meet with UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Prime Minister and Vice President of the UAE, Sheikh Mohammed Rashid Al Maktoum, and Minister of Foreign Trade Thani bin Ahmed Al Zejoudi.

“During this visit, the Prime Minister will sign an agreement focusing on economic cooperation between the Government of Montenegro and the UAE, along with an Agreement on Cooperation in Tourism and Real Estate Development. These documents aim to create a legal framework for enhancing economic collaboration in mutually beneficial areas,” the platform indicates.

This Agreement with the UAE regarding tourism and real estate has sparked significant public backlash and concerns from the Municipality of Ulcinj, stemming from plans to negotiate a megaproject on the local Velika Plaza, which would be leased for 99 years to investor Mohamed Alabar for developing hotels and other tourist amenities.

“Vijesti” sought clarifications from Spajić’s Cabinet concerning the similarities between this agreement and those previously signed with France, Italy, and the European Union, including whether their procedures for tenders and competition align…

Political Dialogues, Not Economic Deals

Ćalović Marković noted that agreements have been made with Italy regarding scientific and technological collaboration, constructing a submarine power cable, maritime transport, and other infrastructure initiatives; none of these provide special legal privileges for foreign investors or exemptions from legal procedures for managing state resources.

“When referring to a supposed ‘similar agreement’ between the European Union and the Emirates, the Prime Minister likely meant the Cooperation Agreement signed on 31 January 2018 between the European External Action Service (EEAS) and the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs. However, this document is purely focused on enhancing political dialogue and collaboration in sectors such as energy, climate change, trade, security, and research. It does not entail any economic arrangements that foresee the sale or long-term transfer of state property, nor does it include exceptions to public procurement and competition regulations,” explained Ćalović Marković.

She further stated that a 2024 agreement with France focused on acquiring patrol ships, a cooperation agreement with the French Development Agency, and an agreement on exchanging classified information, and none contain clauses that privilege French investors or bypass domestic public procurement laws and state property management.

She emphasized that the interstate agreement on cooperation regarding tourism and real estate development intended to be signed with the UAE would allow the state to directly engage in selling and leasing state-owned land.

“In essence, this allows state land to be granted to an investor designated by another government without a public tender, restricting competition among investors and the benefits accruable to Montenegro from such arrangements. Additionally, the clause in the Agreement that requires the Government to modify laws to suit investor interests is quite concerning. Specifically, Article 3, paragraph one, states that the Government of Montenegro ‘shall implement all legislative measures necessary for the successful implementation of projects.’ First, the Government cannot take on such impromptu obligations, as lawmaking falls under Parliament’s jurisdiction. Second, assuming such a responsibility could directly conflict with the European integration process, which has stringent standards for transparency and competition in managing state property,” asserted Ćalović Marković.

Extreme Lack of Transparency

The Ulcinj Municipal Assembly has expressed grave concerns regarding the opaque nature of the procedures involved and the news that “Eagle Hills Properties,” owned by Alabar, could potentially lease the Big Beach with governmental endorsement.

During discussions, council members expressed apprehension about the extreme opacity and expedited nature of this entire process, urging caution regarding possible negative impacts on current and future generations.

“The Ulcinj Municipality Assembly is extremely apprehensive regarding the agreement between the Montenegrin Government and the UAE, which may lead to the suspension of certain laws and spatial planning processes concerning Velika Plaza and the Ulcinj Municipality. We hereby express our outright opposition. The Ulcinj Municipality is committed to informing the investor, the UAE Embassy in Montenegro, and all relevant international institutions about these findings,” the assembly concluded.

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