The Minister of Energy and Mining of the Republika Srpska, Petar Đokić, expressed his willingness to engage in discussions and negotiations with Montenegro regarding the Bileća Lake accumulations.

In a letter to the Montenegrin Minister of Energy and Mining, Sasha Mujović, dated March 27 of this year, Đokić proposed collaborative actions to address the matter.

He mentioned that he has conducted consultations with the Electric Power Industry of Republika Srpska in the meantime.

“We are prepared to communicate further on this issue, with a meeting involving two delegations aimed at finding a mutually agreeable solution,” Đokić emphasized.

Bilećko Jezero has been supplying electricity to Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia since 1968 via the Trebišnjica hydropower system, including hydroelectric plants 1, Trebinje 2, Dubrovnik 1, and Capljina. Studies indicate that approximately 40 percent of the waterflow originates from Montenegro, yet about one-fifth of the lake’s area has not received compensation for any kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity generated by this system.

While the Montenegrin authorities have repeatedly raised this issue, they have not been persistent in seeking a resolution, and the Republika Srpska has consistently stated its reluctance to provide adequate compensation to Montenegro.

Đokić’s letter marks the first concrete action toward resolving the Bileća Lake issue, which has strained relations between Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

“A significant step was taken during the trilateral meeting of energy and mining ministers in Belgrade, initiated by Minister Dubravka Djedović Handanović. It was agreed in principle that all common potentials would be approached based on cooperative principles and mutual respect, reflecting a partnership of friendly states,” the Montenegrin Ministry of Energy announced.

Following the Belgrade meeting, Minister Mujović called upon Minister Đokić to act on the agreements reached, indicating that Bilećko Lake serves as a critical test.

“The matter of Bilećko Lake tests our collective capacity and willingness to resolve our disputes amicably, with ample appreciation and understanding. Let us build a foundation for more harmonious relations for the generations to come,” Mujović remarked.

The Ministry of Energy highlighted that Đokić, pleased with his engagement with Minister Mujović during the trilateral meeting, reiterated “our commitment and collaborative understanding, and efforts to enhance and expand regional cooperation while seeking solutions to outstanding issues.”

“This particularly pertains to addressing the accumulation issue of Bileća Lake, and I express my full readiness for dialogue and agreement,” Đokić affirmed.

The public will be informed of the meeting date for the two delegations in due course, according to the Montenegrin Ministry of Energy.

International conventions grant Montenegro the right to capitalize on its share of Bileća Lake.

Bilećko Jezero was created by damming the flow of the Trebišnjica River, which serves as the border between Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina. The lake covers approximately 33 square kilometers, varying with water levels, stretches nearly 20 kilometers in length, and reaches depths of over 100 meters in certain areas.

The accumulation led to the submersion of numerous villages and properties; although locals received compensation, a portion of their cultural and historical heritage was lost. Several churches and the monasteries of Dovrićevo and Kosijerevo were also relocated.

Five square kilometers of Montenegrin territory and 22 square kilometers of Bosnian territory were submerged. The share for Bosnia and Herzegovina is 60 percent, while, according to a 2005 study by the Montenegrin government, Montenegro holds a 40 percent share.