Montenegro protests UAE beach deal over environmental fears

• Protests in Podgorica: The environmental coalition "Great Beach or Great Lie" organized a demonstration in front of Montenegro's parliament.
• Controversial agreements: The protest stems from two agreements that the Montenegrin government signed with the UAE.
• Local opposition: The Ulcinj municipality and Montenegro's President, Jakov Milatović, have expressed opposition to the government's plans, citing their inconsistency with the constitution.

The Montenegrin authorities have entered into two agreements with the United Arab Emirates, paving the way for the privatization of Great Beach in Ulcinj—the southernmost city in the country. "Investors from the UAE will find themselves in a privileged position where they will not have to answer to Montenegro's authorities or comply with our legislation," said Jovana Janjušević, one of the protest organizers.

"Don't betray Montenegro," "Profits for investors, commissions for politicians, concrete for citizens"—read the banners held by demonstrators gathered in the center of Podgorica.

Activists highlighted that the planned investments on the beach will lead to environmental degradation, threatening one of the most important bird habitats in Europe. Jovana Janjušević additionally noted that "the entire process is being carried out at a breakneck speed and is non-transparent."

Montenegrin Prime Minister Milojko Spajić signed two agreements with the UAE, in February and at the end of March this year. The investor announced plans to construct facilities valued at 30 billion dollars on the beach, including tourist facilities, an airport, a hospital, and two universities.

The central government's plans have met open opposition from the Ulcinj municipality, where several demonstrations against the project have taken place. Montenegro's President, Jakov Milatović, also emphasized that the government's plans are unconstitutional.