During a press conference after the government session, Prime Minister Milojko Spajić discussed potential investments from the UAE, stating that the investor has other global options. He emphasized that if working with Montenegro becomes too problematic, the investor could choose another country.
Spajić noted the importance of strategic decision-making and suggested that the UAE project could significantly impact Montenegro, particularly the southern region. He acknowledged the protests in Ulcinj but expressed that the government had accepted the local assembly’s conclusions and did not understand what more could be requested from the government.
The Prime Minister highlighted that another Mediterranean and Atlantic state was also interested in securing the UAE investment. He mentioned two other potential locations in Montenegro, though he did not specify them. Spajić stressed the government’s commitment to transparency and that any agreements with the UAE would be presented to parliament.
Regarding the planned bridge over the Bojana River, Spajić proposed that the highway could be part of the bridge project, connecting both initiatives.
Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Economic Development, Nik Đeljošaj, announced that the government had adopted a proposal for the establishment of a credit guarantee fund aimed at supporting small and medium-sized enterprises.
Spajić also addressed concerns raised by Ulcinj’s local parliament about the planned UAE investment in Velika Plaža, affirming that any future project would take local assembly decisions into account, with the government committed to involving local communities in the planning process.
He clarified that the government would respect Ulcinj’s local assembly decisions, maintaining a responsible and cooperative approach to development, without coercion or threatening investors. He also stressed that Montenegro’s EU aspirations and development must balance economic growth with fairness to local communities.
Spajić mentioned that the EU Parliament had supported UAE investments, and the government aims for Montenegro to avoid becoming a poor country upon EU entry, asserting that the agreements with the UAE could prevent corruption.
Finally, the Prime Minister addressed economic relations with the U.S., noting that while a 10% tariff had been imposed on goods from Montenegro, the country remains a reliable partner with strong ties to the U.S.
