After the Parliament reapproved the cooperation agreement with the UAE, Ulcinj’s mayor Genci Nimanbegu expressed caution despite businessman Mohamed Alabbar’s announcement that he has withdrawn from the Velika Plaža project. The local community remains uneasy as the agreement passed despite public opposition.
Nimanbegu emphasized that Ulcinj will actively oppose the agreement in its current form and stressed the need for a new development vision. He highlighted that Ulcinj already has 25,000 housing units for 20,000 residents, and further uncontrolled development could burden current residents. The focus is on improving quality and creating a sustainable local economy.
Meanwhile, municipalities in northern Montenegro, including Mojkovac and Kolašin, are calling for investments to enhance their tourist offerings. Mojkovac aims to complete the Žarski ski resort project and infrastructure improvements, while Kolašin plans to expand hotel capacity and develop year-round tourism attractions, including a sports zone and a gondola project.
Local leaders believe these projects could create jobs and help curb population decline in the north. They also noted interest from investors in developing local business zones, which would further support economic growth.
Overall, there is a clear message that without strategic investments that preserve natural beauty and support sustainable growth, the north’s population decline will continue, and the country’s ability to retain residents will be compromised.
