Transparency International expresses concern over the agreement between Montenegro and the Emirates

2025-05-28 16:58:00, Kosova & Bota CNA

Transparency International expresses concern over the agreement between

The international organization Transparency International has expressed deep concern regarding the agreement between Montenegro and the United Arab Emirates regarding cooperation in the field of tourism and investment in the real estate sector.

"The articles of this agreement raise serious problems that could jeopardize Montenegro's accession process to the European Union, particularly regarding the public procurement chapter," said the European branch of Transparency International in a statement.

The Montenegrin government plans to close all negotiation chapters by the end of next year and join the EU in 2028. Currently, less than 20 percent of the chapters have been closed.

The government in Podgorica expects to close several chapters by the end of June, including that of public procurement.

Transparency International's warning comes a day before the session of the Parliament in Montenegro, where MPs are expected to once again decide on the agreement between the two countries.

Transparency International called on MPs to review the text of the agreements and ensure that all international obligations “are harmonized with Montenegro’s constitutional framework and do not jeopardize the state’s obligations towards the EU.”

At the end of April, Montenegrin President Jakov Milatovi? returned the agreement to Parliament for reconsideration, arguing that it is contrary to the laws and the state Constitution.

The agreement, which envisages the investment of tens of billions of euros in Montenegro, was signed at the end of March by Prime Minister Milojko Spajic and Emirati officials.

The agreement stipulates that investors from the Middle Eastern state are not subject to Montenegrin laws regarding public procurement, tenders and competition protection.

Transparency International highlighted that public procurement is an area extremely susceptible to corruption.

"The lack of transparency and anti-corruption mechanisms in the agreement increases this risk. By allowing exceptions to standard procurement procedures, the agreement creates opportunities for favoritism and misuse of public funds."

This organization called on the Government to review the text of the agreement and adapt it to standards regarding transparency, anti-corruption, and protection of competition.

The organization also said that public consultations should be held on the issue and called on the European Commission to closely monitor the implementation of the final agreement and the impact it will have and ensure that it does not jeopardize Montenegro's path to the EU./ Rel