Members of the Parliament of Montenegro will soon once again consider the Law on the Ratification of the Agreement between the Government of Montenegro and the United Arab Emirates – a document that already carries potentially immeasurable consequences for the public interest, natural resources, and the country’s sovereignty.
After the President of the State exercised his constitutional authority and returned the law for reconsideration, the Parliament has been given a second chance. This is, figuratively speaking, a make-up exam that will be permanently recorded in the political biography of every Member of Parliament.
But where are the experts? Where are the competent institutions that are supposed to defend the public interest? Why are they silent?
We call on the Ministry of Ecology, Sustainable Development and Northern Region Development, the Ministry of Spatial Planning, Urbanism and State Property, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Public Enterprise for Coastal Zone Management, as well as the University of Montenegro (UCG), the Montenegrin Academy of Sciences and Arts (CANU), and the Duklja Academy of Sciences and Arts (DANU) to urgently issue clear and public positions on the potential implementation of this Agreement.
We expect them to address:
- How they view the possibility ofmegalomaniac construction projects being carried out in protected and environmentally sensitive areas, including Velika Plaža, Buljarica, Bjelasica, and Hajla?
- What the consequences would be fornatural resources, biodiversity, and the constitutional order if the Agreement is ratified?
- Why has there been no expert opinion on a document that removes public oversight, eliminates legal protection mechanisms, and undermines the principle of sustainable development?
The silence of institutions and the academic community at such a critical moment is not a neutral stance. Silence is complicity.
That is why we urge them to take responsibility, to stop watching from the sidelines while decisions are made about Montenegro’s future, and to publicly and unambiguously present expert arguments that will enable MPs to make an informed and responsible decision.
This is not a matter of political affiliation. This is a matter of professional ethics, academic integrity, and moral duty to society. If you do not speak up now, when will you?
The Law on the Ratification of the Agreement is back before the Parliament. This is the moment for the profession to stand before the interests of investor. Let your legacy not be remembered by your silence – let it be remembered for defending what is most valuable in Montenegro.
Non-governmental organisations, signatories of the initiative “Velika plaža or a Great Lie”
Centre for Protection and Research of Birds
Dr Martin Schneider-Jacoby Association – MSJA
KANA/Who if not the Architect
Parks Dinarides
Centre for Investigative Journalism (CIN CG)
CEE Bankwatch Network
Montenegrin Ecologists Society
Green Home
MogUL
Ulcinj Info Portal
Network for affirmation of NGO sector – MANS
Expeditio
EnvPro
Organisation KOD
Biciklo.me
Centre for Civic Education (CCE/CGO)
Gradionica