A group of MPs has submitted a set of amendments to several laws, aiming to return the management of Montenegro’s coastal zone to the municipalities. The amendments, introduced by MPs from the Albanian Alliance caucus, the Albanian Forum, the Bosniak Party, and Democrat MP Momcilo Lekovic, seek to reform how coastal zone is managed, with a focus on decentralisation.
Ilir Capuni, the Albanian Alliance MP, explained that the current system, which collects user fees efficiently but fails to invest effectively in coastal municipalities, prompted this legislative initiative. The proposed amendments would establish a new government-run company to coordinate and manage marine resources at a strategic level, while local governments would take on direct management responsibilities in their municipalities, including the protection and development of coastal resources. Capuni stressed that local governments are best positioned to manage these assets in a sustainable way and in line with European self-government standards.
Lekovic added that the laws were a response to decades of poor coastal management, resulting in uncontrolled urbanisation and environmental degradation. He argued that these changes would empower local governments, improve resource management, and balance economic development with environmental preservation.
Ulcinj Mayor Genci Nimanbegu praised the initiative as a significant democratic step and called on MPs to support the laws, which he emphasised are not politically motivated but aimed at decentralising power and fostering better governance of Montenegro’s coast.
