On May 10, 2025, concerns regarding Montenegro's sovereignty and European integration were raised by the Center for Democratic Transition (CDT) as they opposed the Cooperation Agreement with the United Arab Emirates (UAE). CDT Executive Director Dragan Koprivica highlighted that the agreement threatens democratic standards and the rule of law, which are critical for Montenegro's ongoing efforts to join the European Union (EU).
The CDT's objections stem from provisions within the agreement that allow for large-scale investments in tourism and real estate, but do so in a manner that circumvents public procurement laws. According to Koprivica, the agreement exempts investors from tender procedures and allocates state resources without competition, which contradicts European market competition and transparency rules.
Koprivica expressed serious concerns, stating, "This opens up space for arbitrary granting of benefits, corruption, and the possible entry of suspicious capital - all things against which a modern European state should have institutional protection." He emphasized that the CDT has long advocated for a foreign direct investment (FDI) screening mechanism, a tool that the EU has established to ensure that foreign investments do not threaten national security or democratic institutions.
In 2019, the EU introduced a common framework for FDI screening, urging member states and candidate countries to adopt similar measures to prevent unverified or politically motivated investments. However, Koprivica warned that the agreement with the UAE would effectively "freeze" the possibility of independent verification of these investors, allowing for the potential involvement of unregulated third parties.
This lack of control over investments in strategic resources, such as Velika Plaza, poses a significant threat to the security and integrity of Montenegro's economy, according to Koprivica. He noted that the EU, through a letter from Commissioner Marta Kos, has cautioned that the implementation of the agreement could conflict with EU rules, particularly in areas of public procurement, transparency, and competition.
"The adoption of this agreement would be a signal that Montenegro is giving up on harmonizing with European values, precisely at a time when the government is announcing an accelerated path towards full membership in the Union," Koprivica stated. He described Montenegro's current position as unique, being the most advanced country in negotiations with the EU, and emphasized the importance of establishing a formal mechanism for screening investments.
In light of these concerns, the CDT has urged members of Parliament to reject the agreement and instead demand that the government review and amend it to remove any clauses that undermine competition and allow for political favoritism. Koprivica concluded, "This is not a question for or against any foreign investment, but a question of the rules by which we build Montenegro. If these are not European rules of the rule of law, transparency, and protection of the public interest, then they will be rules of bargains, privileges, and long-term loss of sovereignty."
Meanwhile, the path to EU membership for Montenegro may face further challenges due to a recent coalition agreement signed by the new German government. This agreement, finalized in early May 2025, states that there should be no further enlargement of the EU until it undergoes necessary reforms and reduces the number of areas requiring unanimous decisions.
Gordana Djurovic, President of the Montenegrin Pan-European Union, expressed concerns that this could impact Montenegro's accession process. She noted that even in an optimistic scenario, EU member states' parliaments might hesitate to ratify Montenegro's accession treaty during the final phase of negotiations.
Djurovic pointed out that EU reforms have been stagnant for an extended period, increasing the urgency for change. The coalition agreement, involving the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), the Christian Social Union (CSU), and the Social Democratic Party (SPD), emphasizes that EU enlargement must align with the bloc's capacity to absorb new members.
"This clearly reflects a shift in Germany's foreign policy regarding EU enlargement," Djurovic noted, highlighting that the need for internal consolidation and reform is critical for strengthening the EU before any further enlargement can occur. This shift could pose additional hurdles for Montenegro as it strives for EU membership amidst a backdrop of increasing skepticism about the enlargement process.
As Montenegro navigates these complex challenges, the CDT's call for transparency and adherence to European standards will be crucial in ensuring that the nation maintains its sovereignty and democratic values. The outcome of the Cooperation Agreement with the UAE, alongside the evolving political landscape in the EU, will significantly influence Montenegro's future in the European integration process.
