The Network for the Affirmation of the Non-Governmental Sector (MANS) has called on the Montenegrin Parliament to ensure a transparent public debate on the agreement with the UAE and to reject the government’s initiative to fast-track the adoption of the document.
MANS stated that the official justification for the draft law on ratifying the agreement clearly stated that “there are no reasons for adopting this law through an urgent procedure.”
“Despite this, the government later requested that the law be decided on through an urgent procedure without further explanation, thereby undermining the principle of legality and responsible legislative action,” the statement said.
The NGO added that the agreement was passed without prior public discussion or consultations with experts, local communities, relevant institutions, or Parliament.
According to MANS, the agreement allows for the allocation of state property and the development of infrastructure without applying public procurement laws or tenders, exempts UAE investors from the jurisdiction of Montenegrin courts, and suspends the application of key Montenegrin laws.
Decisions regarding state property and international obligations, MANS emphasized, should not be made behind closed doors or through political automatism.
Representatives of MANS pointed out that the agreement with the UAE is not just a technical document, but one with systemic, legal, and strategic importance for Montenegro’s future.
MANS concluded by stating that it is in the public’s interest for decisions in such matters to be made thoughtfully, responsibly, and in accordance with the law and the Constitution.
The organization called on Parliament to reject the government’s proposal for urgent consideration and to allow the agreement to be discussed through the regular procedure, with full participation from the public and the expert community. They also urged committees on economics, finance, international relations, European integration, the political system, justice, administration, and legislation to hold public sessions to thoroughly analyze the legal, economic, and social aspects of the agreement.
