The Montenegrin Parliament has adopted the Spatial Plan of Montenegro until 2040. Out of 50 MPs who voted, 42 supported the decision, while 8, all from the Democratic Party of Socialists (DPS), voted against it. There were no abstentions.
Before the vote, DPS MP Mihailo Andjusic pointed out that the Environmental Protection Agency had issued a decision instructing the Ministry of Spatial Planning, Urbanism and State Property to accept comments and the report on the strategic environmental impact assessment of the Spatial Plan. He argued that this meant the Ministry was required to revise the plan to address identified shortcomings. He criticised the process, noting that MPs were given only seven days to review a 500-page document that had undergone significant changes after public consultation. Andjusic proposed postponing the vote.
However, Parliament Speaker Andrija Mandic stated that the debate on the issue had concluded and that a vote would proceed, with any outstanding matters to be resolved later. He emphasised that Parliament, as the representative body of the people, has the authority to decide independently from the government or its agencies.
The Ministry of Spatial Planning, Urbanism and State Property stated that the Spatial Plan is a key strategic document, second only to the Constitution in importance. It sets long-term development goals and outlines spatial categories and strategic priorities, forming the basis for sustainable, inclusive, and balanced development. The Ministry clarified that the Plan provides clear guidelines for future investments and spatial interventions, but does not impose specific construction projects or locations. Such decisions remain the responsibility of municipalities, which must align their local plans with national guidelines.
The Ministry also emphasised that the Spatial Plan operates outside of daily political debates and short-term interests. Its purpose is to ensure continuity, stability, and predictable, responsible use of space over the next two decades. Despite frequent government changes in the past five years, a team of experts led by Svetlana Jovanovic developed the plan in line with the highest professional standards and comprehensive analysis.
The Ministry expressed full support for the Plan and is committed to its consistent implementation. It called on local governments to align their planning documents as soon as possible, urged investors to respect national guidelines, and invited citizens and professionals to actively participate in the plan’s implementation.
In addition to the Spatial Plan, Parliament also adopted laws on amendments to the Law on Mandatory Traffic Insurance, aquaculture, marine fisheries, and structural measures and state aid in fisheries and aquaculture.
