Slug: ulqin-arab-investments-montenegro
Hashtags: #Ulqin #Montenegro #BalkansNews
Article:
Montenegro’s Prime Minister Milojko Spajić has dismissed local Albanian opposition to investment projects from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) at Ulqin’s main beach, instead focusing on securing support from parliamentary opposition groups.
Speaking at a press conference in Podgorica alongside the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Kaja Kallas, Spajić announced his intention to bring the project to parliament for approval.
“We have started consultations with parliamentary groups. Based on initial reactions, I believe we can also count on support from part of the opposition. It’s important that a project like this gains the backing of as many MPs as possible, as we need consensus rather than political fights. Cooperation with the UAE aligns with our EU partners, and the UAE has similar agreements with several EU member states. Similar investments have already been made in Albania. Besides the UAE, we are also preparing significant interstate agreements with three EU member states, which will enable major investments in infrastructure and other previously overlooked projects,” said Spajić.
EU official Kaja Kallas commented on the controversy, emphasizing the need for transparency and fairness:
“Montenegro’s economic development is undoubtedly in the European Union’s interest. We also support economic diversification. What’s crucial is that all laws and Montenegro’s commitments are respected, and that European companies have equal investment rights. European companies are genuinely interested in investing in Montenegro,” Kallas stated.
The investment plan, which has stirred strong reactions among the Albanian community in Ulqin, is seen by many as a threat to the identity and future of the region.
