Social Democrat (SD) MP Boris Mugoša stated that the European Union did not pose an issue for Montenegro with its agreement with the United Arab Emirates (UAE); however, the country will struggle to implement it as originally signed.

This remark was made during the 16th session of the Parliamentary Committee on European Integration, where members discussed five key points.

“This is how I interpreted the EU letter. The European Union is more concerned about us closing the Public Procurement chapter than we are, and they advised that to close that chapter, they will not obstruct the agreement now, but its application cannot be as it was signed,” Mugoša elaborated.

During the session, parliamentarians passed a semi-annual report on Montenegro’s overall activities related to EU integration for the period of July to December 2024, while the quarterly report for October to December 2024 lacked sufficient support.

Chief Negotiator with the EU, Predrag Zenović, noted at the beginning of his presentation that in the last three months of the previous year, President Jakov Milatović met with European Council President Antonio Košta, High Representative Kaja Kalas, and Secretary for Enlargement Marta Kos. Prime Minister Milojko Spajić also met with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and a meeting of the Parliamentary Committee for Stabilization and Enlargement was held in Podgorica.

He added that subcommittee meetings took place under the framework of the Stabilization and Association Agreement.

Civic Movement (GP) URA MP Ana Novaković Đurović inquired whether there were plans to adopt reports four or five months later without the ability to influence them, to which Zenović responded that efforts would be made to prevent this in the future.

Regarding the second half of 2024, Zenović mentioned that during this period, Foreign Minister Ervin Ibrahimović participated in a meeting of the Western Balkans Friends Group at the UN General Assembly, while Minister of European Affairs Maida Gorčević attended a general affairs meeting.

Democratic Party of Socialists (DPS) MP Mihailo Anđušić asked about the funds sent to Montenegro, specifically whether the tranche due at the end of February had been disbursed and how those funds would be utilized. He also questioned Zenović’s view on events potentially undermining relations with Croatia, like the Jasenovac Resolution, and whether he and Gorčević should have appealed against it, as well as his assessment of the Committee for Comprehensive Electoral Reform.

Zenović clarified that the funds had not yet been transferred.

“Yesterday, I attended the Enlargement Working Group for the first time. A representative from a candidate country attended formally for the first time, and we learned that conditions have been met, and funds should be disbursed in the coming weeks,” he stated, adding that the first tranche would incentivize reforms.

He emphasized that he could not make recommendations to parliament, as MPs represent citizens and possess sovereignty.

Novaković Đurović pressed Zenović for details on reforms made during this period and the benefits to citizens. Zenović replied that Montenegro’s inclusion in SEPA was significant, and while the “Europe Now 2” program is unrelated to European integration, it is beneficial for citizens.

Novaković Đurović countered that joining SEPA was primarily the Central Bank’s achievement, and the European Commission had raised concerns about the “Europe Now 2” initiative.

“It is leading to a deficit in the pension system, thus the prime minister must seek investors privately,” she asserted.

Committee Chairman Ivan Vuković (DPS) remarked that many aspects of the accession negotiations are complicated, and it shouldn’t be surprising that they haven’t always been adequately addressed.

“We have a public administration reform. You know the scenario surrounding the Law on Civil Servants and State Employees. This isn’t just an administrative capacity issue, but rather a political will to lower employment standards in the state administration,” he stated.

He also discussed visa policy, noting that the list of countries whose citizens do not require a visa for entry into Montenegro includes nations from which few tourists arrive.

“The same applies to media legislation. We raised alarms, but we voted for these laws to avoid complicating matters for Montenegro,” he indicated.

The third point of discussion was the draft report from the consultative hearing of Maida Gorčević, Minister of European Affairs, titled “Overview of the status and dynamics of Montenegro’s negotiations with the EU, with proposed assessments and positions.”

Vuković reported the positions, which were passed by a majority vote: The Committee on European Integration was updated on the current negotiation process; it emphasized the importance of enhancing communication between Parliament and Government, with an expanded role for the Committee; it highlighted timely reporting and submission of relevant documents; it asserted the importance of having members of the negotiating structure present during discussions; and it stated that submitting information on fulfilling benchmarks and key EC recommendations would significantly benefit the process. Following these assessments, the Committee will inform MEPs about the ministry’s obligations to the committee and vice versa to improve efficiency and coordination.

During discussions on the reform agenda and growth plan, representatives from the non-governmental sector attended, including Riccardo Seri, Deputy Head of the EU Delegation to Montenegro.

Seri noted that the Growth Plan, presented less than a year ago, has already shown results.

He emphasized that the Growth Plan and the Reform Agenda aim to aid partners in progressive integration, ultimately aiming for Montenegro’s EU accession.

“The most significant achievement is Montenegro’s inclusion in SEPA, easing transactions. The second goal is a common regional market, also known as the Berlin process. The third pillar is a reform agenda for improving regional stability. The approaches are tailored to each aspiring member state,” explained Seri.

He stated that financial assistance is nearly double that under the IPA program, but it must be earned.

“Together with the Government, we’re ensuring that these funds can have a dual impact,” he said, noting that the Government is currently pursuing the European agenda.

The Director General of the MEP stated that the new instrument focuses on economic growth, predicting that the average timeframe for the Western Balkans to align with the EU is 2046, with some forecasts suggesting it could take an additional 30 years.

He pointed out that reforms are essential for the accession process.

Novaković Đurović remarked that no reforms have occurred in any area since the IBAR laws were adopted, and many laws have since needed changes, emphasizing that the agreement with the UAE contradicts the reform agenda.

“How can these be aligned with the European agenda, and how do we expect to receive funds from the growth plan?” she asked.

Zenović replied that the EC is focused on projects previously implemented, from highway developments onward.

“All I can say is what the EC indicated—that prima facie, there is nothing contentious about these agreements,” he stated.

Vanja Ćalović Marković, Director of the Network for the Affirmation of the Non-Governmental Sector (MANS), remarked that prima facie means “at first glance,” questioning what the second assessment might reveal.

“What can we expect the EC to say upon a deeper examination? Specifically concerning the public procurement chapter, which we need to close,” she stated, adding that EU Commissioner Marta Kos mentioned that all agreements with the UAE are exempt from public procurement rules, potentially violating EU regulations.

“It was your responsibility to inform the prime minister about the dangers of this for EU integration. Should NGOs have to warn him about its detrimental impacts?” she asked.

Ćalović Marković expressed interest in when reforms would become visible and queried how they would leverage the UAE government to adopt anti-corruption measures, as well as whether the Energy Law would be discussed publicly.

Anđušić pointed out that the agreement ignores the principle of competition and circumvents EU public procurement regulations.

He questioned Zenović’s concerns, yet noted that the Minister of Public Administration “raises alerts” to parliament, which still votes against his recommendations.

Zenović emphasized that this is the most discussed investment, marking it as a step forward, with the EC providing guidelines on how such agreements should function.

Maja Raičević, representative of the Center for Women’s Rights, stated that the agreement is perceived solely through the investment lens, highlighting that the UAE has a reputation for severe limitations on the rights of migrants, women, and workers, with credible organizations such as Human Rights Watch documenting these issues.

Albanian Alliance MP Ilir Čapuni mentioned that the agreement does not involve a saltworks and that local government is not obstructing its establishment.

GP URA MP Filip Adžić urged Zenović to leverage his influence and highlight any potential “threats to the European path”.

“If there has been a shift, if you have other plans, or if you find that investment opportunities lie elsewhere than with EU companies, then you must communicate this to the citizens, so they can understand your vision for Montenegro’s development,” he stated.

Zenović indicated that agreements with the EU might have implications for minority rights protection but remarked that it would be presumptuous for him to elaborate, as he lacks the authority.

“We are discussing an agreement that is minimally relevant to these matters,” he noted.

Zenović asserted that from the perspective of European integration, the EC has outlined a framework for implementing the agreement.

“Montenegro’s trajectory is affirmed with tangible outcomes, including three international conferences, superior reports, three closed chapters, and a clear path to closing more chapters by 2026. Today, we discuss EU membership as an attainable goal contingent upon fulfilling our commitments,” he declared.

Adžić asserted that the Government aims to align with EU expectations, thus paving the way for accession.

Vuković observed that one recurring theme during the DPS’s dismissal was the narrative surrounding the Saltworks, pelicans, and nature conservation, which appears neglected now.

“Why was it challenging to facilitate a public debate?” he questioned, noting that the latest EU report mentioned a poor relationship with the non-governmental sector.

In concluding the discussion on current issues, Vuković outlined upcoming meetings and conferences for committee members.

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