Twelve non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have urged the Montenegrin government and Parliament to postpone the adoption of the Spatial Plan of Montenegro (PPCG) and organize a new public consultation. They argue that the plan lacks the necessary approval from the Environmental Protection Agency and that the final version differs significantly from the draft that was previously subjected to public debate, which legally requires another round of consultations.
Among the key concerns raised by the NGOs are the inclusion of new projects such as the “Velje brdo” housing development and the reclassification of the Buljarica area as urban land. These changes were not part of the original draft presented during last year’s public consultation. The NGOs warn that such urbanization threatens one of Montenegro’s most valuable remaining coastal ecosystems. Additionally, they highlight inconsistencies between the textual and graphic parts of the plan, which undermine its credibility.
The NGOs also criticize the lack of transparency in the planning process, noting that earlier versions of the public consultation reports were removed from public access without explanation. This move has hindered their ability to compare changes and fully understand the development of the plan. They stress that such practices violate the principles of public participation and transparency as prescribed by law.
The Spatial Plan covers Montenegro’s development up to 2040 and includes major infrastructure projects such as the continuation of highways, construction of expressways across the coast and northern regions, and plans for nine airports—two existing ones in Podgorica and Tivat, and seven proposed in other parts of the country. The plan also addresses the protection of natural areas like Velika plaža and Buljarica, which are designated as candidates for the EMERALD network of protected territories.
The NGOs call for the annulment of the government’s decision to adopt the PPCG and insist on a new, legally compliant public debate to ensure environmental protection and procedural integrity. They urge the relevant revision council to examine the validity of the adoption process, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding Montenegro’s natural heritage and upholding transparency in strategic planning.
