Montenegro is advancing a proposed intergovernmental energy cooperation agreement with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), despite facing significant criticism regarding the negotiation process and the details of the deal. Local reports and civil society organizations, particularly the Mreža za afirmaciju nevladinog sektora (MANS), have raised alarms about the lack of transparency and public oversight in this agreement.
MANS has criticized the government for promoting the Montenegro-UAE energy pact without providing sufficient information or evaluating its potential consequences. The organization emphasizes that decisions regarding public resources, including land allocation, regulatory approvals, and infrastructure responsibilities, may occur without transparent tendering or procurement processes. This raises concerns about investor selection criteria and the potential sidelining of competitive bidding.
The debate surrounding this energy agreement reflects broader issues related to Montenegro’s bilateral relations with the UAE. Previous economic cooperation agreements and strategic real estate partnerships have come under scrutiny for potentially undermining rule-of-law principles and Montenegro’s commitments to European Union standards. Similar provisions in past agreements are currently being reviewed by the Constitutional Court of Montenegro.
Proponents of the energy cooperation framework argue that it aims to strengthen ties with the UAE and attract investments in renewable energy, grid infrastructure, digital technologies, and advanced energy solutions. These initiatives are presented as aligned with Montenegro’s development objectives, which include modernizing electricity systems and advancing decarbonization efforts. Supporters frame these partnerships as part of a broader economic engagement strategy encompassing tourism, infrastructure, and innovation.
As discussions in parliament regarding the energy agreement are set to commence, MANS is urging lawmakers to postpone approval until comprehensive documentation and impact assessments are made publicly available. The organization stresses that informed scrutiny is vital to safeguard public interests and ensure fiscal responsibility. They contend that effective oversight is necessary to prevent any international agreements from imposing special regulations on critical sectors like energy without appropriate legal protections and adherence to established procurement standards.
