The National Association of Professional Fishermen of Montenegro has criticized Agriculture Minister Vladimir Joković for his lack of engagement with the fishing community, accusing him of ignoring their concerns and failing to address fundamental issues facing the sector.
Marko Kise, president of the association, stated that Montenegro is a minor fishing nation within the EU and risks being overwhelmed by larger EU fishing fleets if urgent reforms are not implemented. He questioned the value of joining the EU and adopting new fishing laws if the country’s fishermen remain unsupported and unprepared.
The association outlined key issues needing immediate attention: lack of fishing ports and docking sites, inadequate repair facilities for boats, the need to renew the commercial fleet, access to low-tax fuel (blue or red diesel), a reduced VAT of 7% on fishing equipment, the creation of a guarantee fund for investments, compensation for weather-related damages, and fees on cruise ships and speedboats that harm fishing in the Bay of Kotor.
They warned that without state support, Montenegro’s fishers face extinction, leading to greater reliance on fish imports. The association emphasized that local fishers are willing to work, but the state must invest in infrastructure and ensure the sector’s survival.
They also proposed forming a delegation to negotiate with the government and called for dialogue to avoid potential protests. Kise criticized Minister Joković’s past statements equating fishers with taxi drivers and denying earlier promises to establish a guarantee fund. He urged the state to act before Montenegro enters the EU unprepared and marginalized.
