Spajić: Besides Ulcinj, Two Other Locations in Montenegro Are Potentially Being Considered

Author: M.J. GDNUS

At today’s session, the Montenegrin government approved the draft law for the Credit Guarantee Fund, a measure aimed at supporting small and medium-sized businesses, as explained by Vice Prime Minister Nik Đeljošaj. He emphasized that this step is critical for the development of the country's economy.

Prime Minister Milojko Spajić, speaking at a press conference, noted that this initiative enables the private sector to participate in the country's development. He emphasized the government's transparency in dealing with investments, particularly a deal with the UAE, which was approved by the government and will soon be presented in the form of a law to parliament. Spajić said he was confident that the agreement would be ratified quickly.

Spajić also addressed the opposition from Ulcinj's local parliament, which opposed the UAE investors' plans for the development of a project on Velika Plaža. He stressed the government's desire for local authorities to be fully involved in such projects, and that the conclusions from the Ulcinj parliament were understood and would be taken into account for future projects. The government has instructed relevant ministries to follow these conclusions.

He stated that if local self-government authorities act responsibly, there would be no problem in transferring certain powers to them. He called on the local authorities to engage without intimidation or abrupt actions, as such a partnership would allow for effective cooperation on all projects.

Responding to President Jakov Milatović's statement that the legality and constitutionality of the agreement with the UAE should be checked, Spajić assured that there is no issue with that. "We have signed over 10 intergovernmental agreements of a similar nature, and I don’t see any problem. If we missed something, the Constitutional Court can resolve it," he added.

Spajić also discussed the fate of the proposed bridge over the Bojana River connecting to Velipoja. He suggested that the highway could be part of the bridge project, linking the two developments.

The prime minister also revealed that "another Mediterranean country and another Atlantic country" are interested in receiving investments, adding that, besides Ulcinj, "two other locations in Montenegro have been mentioned as potential sites," though he did not specify which locations.

Regarding the protest to be held this Saturday at Mala Plaža in Ulcinj, Spajić expressed that the government has accepted the conclusions of the Ulcinj local parliament and questioned what more could be expected from the government. He emphasized that investors have other options globally, and if they find it too problematic to work with Montenegro, they could choose to go elsewhere. "An investor backed by a state, with clear guarantees... I understand the political dynamics, as local elections are approaching, but sometimes we must think strategically—about not losing a project that could completely transform Montenegro and its southern region," Spajić concluded.