The initial amendment proposed by independent MP Jevrosima Pejović in the Parliament of Montenegro regarding the ratification of the Agreement on Cooperation in Tourism and Real Estate Development between Montenegro and the United Arab Emirates, which aims to establish a facility for hadron cancer therapy in Velika Plaza, Ulcinj, failed to gain support from the Legislative Committee.

The vote saw seven abstentions.

During the Legislative Committee discussions, Pejović’s amendment was among nine others debated by the MPs.

The second amendment passed with six abstentions and a solitary vote “in favor” by the Chairman of the Legislative Committee, Dragan Bojović (DNP).

Among her amendments, Pejović requested that state-significant projects require local government consent, that half of the coastal areas involved must remain accessible to the public free of charge, and that Montenegro retain the right to terminate or suspend arrangements deemed inconsistent with the Constitution or public interest.

Pejović emphasized the need for improving the laws governing agreements with the UAE.

“My amendments may seem absurd, but they are designed to prompt reflection and discussion. The only way to terminate the agreement in the future is to prove it stemmed from corruption. There were moments of doubt regarding this,” she stated.

The MP cautioned against making irreversible decisions.

“I was among the first to critique the Law on the Prevention of Corruption, which later proved some provisions impractical,” she added.

The session was marked by protests outside the Parliament from NGO representatives opposed to the Montenegro-UAE agreement.

Bojović noted that while inviting guests to amendment debates is uncommon, he opted to make an exception, stating that the primary committee focused on these matters is the International Relations Committee.

Pejović acknowledged the unusual nature of NGO participation in committees but reiterated that the government session that led to the decision lasted only 33 minutes and was made with little discussion.

“Numerous activists and academics are now engaged. It’s crucial how we approach this decision. I believe our children’s future shouldn’t be decided without proper discourse,” she said.

She deemed it absurd to amend something that is already signed, reflecting on Spajić’s stance towards the Parliament.

According to Pejović, Vasilije Čarapić has greater expertise in this area and is aware of the potential dangers involved, pointing out that the Ministry of Public Works seems favorable due to Alabari.

“The government often plays a game of reverse musical chairs, dragging in new chairs instead of following the rules,” she stated.

Pejović revealed that Nimanbeg proposed the Ulcinj cancer treatment center focusing on pregnant women, which is why Milena Popović Samardžić joined them today.

“If given a choice between a hotel and a treatment center, I’m sure you would choose the latter,” she asserted.

PES representative Vasilije Čarapić mentioned that the amendment is a limited action and does not alter the contract, sharing his intention to submit further amendments.

“The second amendment specifically targets a project in Ulcinj, aligning with the agreement’s mention of two regional projects,” he clarified.

He indicated that the proposed location would depend on multiple factors and mentioned his opposition to any development in Ulcinj.

Čarapić referred to past government plans that sought to build multi-storey buildings along Velika Plaza.

“In public hearings, no one objected to 11-story skyscrapers or construction that impedes local wildlife migration,” he noted, mentioning that planners who worked on the Belgrade Waterfront were consulted during Dritan Abazović’s term.

Addressing the medical center, he noted a French firm is already set to construct a similar facility in Podgorica along with an agreement with France.

Čarapić asserted that his party would scrutinize prior agreements and aim to accept only reputable investors going forward.

“We won’t accept investors like Vesko Barović and Brković, known for previous failures,” he added, emphasizing the need to attract credible foreign investment.

Responding to Čarapić, Pejović stated their dialogue exemplified how parliamentarians should engage, underscoring the value of public debate.

She lamented, “The opportunity presented in our 40s has slipped away,” prompting Čarapić to exit the room.

Bojović expressed intent to support the amendments.

Milena Popović Samardžić argued that the government is not in a position to select its funding sources, labeling media portrayals as misleading operations rather than genuine investments.

“This reads as a sellout not in Montenegro’s interest,” she criticized.

She explained that hadron therapy isn’t available in the region and seeking treatment elsewhere can cost three to four times more.

Opening such a center would benefit the entire region financially, she argued.

“The total project cost is 200 million. I will discuss Ulcinj’s suitability in the second committee, with eighty percent funding from European sources,” she indicated.

Genci Nimanbeg confirmed that an agreement will be finalized on March 24th and 25th, currently awaiting parliamentary approval.

“The message I bring is firm: don’t let yourself be swayed by others’ choices. Responsible leadership involves courageous decisions,” he urged the ruling MPs.

“We gathered 1,000 people today and can rally 10,000 in Ulcinj. The prime minister, who proposed this law, is absent today,” he continued.

Nimanbeg called for a year-long postponement of the agreement for a thorough discussion.

Vanja Ćalović Marković criticized the lack of public debates and shared that past plans were created by the former administration.

“You had opportunities to alter those plans. Now, as another regime comes and attempts to push through these proposals, it presents a missed opportunity for an improved planning concept,” she remarked.

Ćalović Marković expressed faith that the coast could benefit all citizens through better usage rather than commercialization.

“Consider how often we fundraise for children’s medical treatment abroad since your election. Why not provide those opportunities locally instead of constructing more commercial projects?” she questioned.

Darko Ivanović noted that NGO voices are often unheard in Parliament.

He expressed gratitude to Pejović, calling her office welcoming to the public.

“As a frustrated taxpayer and citizen, it’s disheartening that the prime minister in the US hasn’t designated someone to address our concerns,” he stated.

He added that the foremost exporter in Montenegro is the IT sector, which is often overlooked.

“Why do we have to sell off resources merely to entice investors?” he urged, calling for thoughtful decision-making for the future generations.

“You are leaving their future in the hands of those bound by the current agreement to attract investors, which is something I reject,” he concluded.

Miloš Vuković from Fidelity Consulting stated that while the first agreement had no significant issues, the second one regarding economic cooperation is problematic.

“All we heard today was about how credible investors are being deterred. Whom are we referring to, as no investor specifics are mentioned in the agreement? We oppose exploitative urbanism, not investment,” he clarified.

He suggested the deal appears preordained, benefiting the UAE rather than Montenegro.

Nataša Kovačević mentioned signals from the European Parliament and the Commission indicating intentions to respond to this agreement, citing concerns over lack of transparency.

She noted that Montenegro has functioned without a spatial plan for five years and alarmed that this agreement might obstruct EU accession negotiations.

“While the first agreement isn’t inherently problematic, the second demands robust protections to defend public interests,” she asserted.

Aleksandra Kapetanović from NGO Expeditio highlighted severe issues with spatial planning as fundamental to the ongoing discussion.

“The current conversation revolves around large investments, yet it transcends mere problem-solving—it’s about strategy and vision. Our coastline is devastated, and we must preserve what remains,” she emphasized.

Elida Adrović described Montenegro as “an oncology patient”, voicing fear for the future.

“If our land is being compromised like this, what fate awaits us in our struggle for protection?” she questioned.

MP GP URA Filip Adžić noted that the State Audit Institution declared the agreement requires completion.

“Furthermore, the Competitive Protection Agency has mandated that the agreement must be presented to them,” he remarked.

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