The draft amendment to the Law on Energy leaves burning energy problems in Montenegro unresolved. By avoiding the permanent abolition of incentives for small hydroelectric power plants, the new law will continue to sponsor the destruction of rivers and enrich private investors," the environmental organizations WWF Adria, Eko-team and Action for Social Justice stated in a joint statement.
Last week, the Ministry of Economy expressed its comments on the draft Law on Amendments to the Law on Energy.
"This law, if adopted by the Parliament of Montenegro, will contribute to slowing down the economic recovery of Montenegro, and we can only assume all the consequences for nature. Instead of building a stable and sustainable energy system that takes into account the long-term development of the country and all the challenges we will face as a result of climate change, the Ministry of Economy and the entire Government continue as before. Unfortunately, the price of their negligence will be paid by all citizens," the announcement stated.
During the public debate, which was held in the midst of the pandemic, several civil society organizations, individuals, and state enterprises submitted comments on the draft law. From the closing of the deadline for submission of comments until the official statement of the Ministry, not a single session of the working group in charge of this law was held, which, as stated by these organizations, significantly impaired the transparency and democracy of the entire procedure.
"At the end of April, several non-governmental organizations, with the support of WWF Adria, sent comments on the draft of this law. On that occasion, they reminded that through the new legal solution it is necessary to clearly prescribe that the development of energy activities should be for the purpose of protecting the public interest. In addition, they particularly emphasized that the production of energy from renewable sources must not endanger sustainable development and environmental protection. Although the entire process of preparing the draft of the new law took place without direct discussion, it is certain that it will be accepted. The Ministry of Economy once again showed that they are not interested in the actual participation of the public , and even when it comes to topics that concern all citizens of Montenegro, and who should participate in them," the statement of environmental organizations stated.
WWF Adria, Eko-team and Action for Social Justice in anticipation of this year's World Environment Day express their deep regret for the whole procedure.
"The development of the private sector is important for the future of the entire country, especially in the period of economic recovery, but it must be sustainable, transparent and equally accessible to everyone, without harming the environment and the well-being of citizens. With this draft law, the authorities once again confirm that they will continue to favor only certain interest groups. This means that the public good and resources that are owned by all citizens are exploited for the purpose of private interests with great losses for the whole society", according to ecologists.
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