Minister of Spatial Planning Slaven Radunović stated that the first residents of the Velje Brdo residential-business complex are expected to move in by the end of 2026 or during 2027, rather than in mid-2026 as previously announced. He explained the delay is due to the pending adoption of Podgorica’s Urban Plan (PUP), which itself depends on the adoption of Montenegro’s Spatial Plan and a new law on spatial planning. These have been delayed due to opposition obstruction in Parliament. He emphasized that construction will start once the Urban Plan is approved and noted that a few months’ delay for such a large project is not significant.
Radunović also announced that nearly half of beach concession agreements have been finalized. The state is projected to earn €27 million annually from beaches and temporary facilities over the next four years, compared to €4.7 million in 2019. This would bring an additional €92 million in total revenue. He warned that bidders who offer unrealistic prices but do not sign contracts will lose their guarantees.
Minister of Agriculture Vladimir Joković said that it is difficult to track the volume of potato sales because most of the trade happens informally. Only about 3,000 tons are sold to retail chains, while 8,000 tons were imported last year, accounting for a quarter of domestic consumption. He pointed to direct subsidies for potato producers, up to €1,100 per hectare for young farmers, as a way to improve competitiveness and reduce imports.
Joković explained that the formation of a state forestry company has been delayed because the necessary amendments to the Forestry Law have not been passed, again due to the Parliament’s inactivity. As a result, the new company could not hire staff or secure infrastructure. He added that many workers from the current forestry administration oppose the change, with most signing a petition against joining the new company. He called for a detailed cost-benefit analysis before proceeding, noting that a similar model in Republika Srpska has been operating at a loss.
Energy Minister Admir Šahmanović said the government is closely monitoring the operations of the Željezara steel plant. Opposition MPs questioned the government’s cooperation with current lessee Igor Šamiz due to his controversial business history and failed promises, including the production of drones. Šahmanović stated the government will act to protect the public interest.
EPCG has begun workforce rationalization in 2024, reducing the number of employees from 1,187 to an expected 1,150 by year-end. The average employee age has dropped from 49 to 45, and the company has hired 80 engineers. EPCG Solar Gradnja, which now has 421 employees, returned to profitability in 2023 with a net profit of €91,300 after two years of losses.
EPCG is currently undertaking its largest investment cycle ever, totaling more than €500 million. This includes the addition of 600 MW in new capacity. The €72 million ecological reconstruction of the Pljevlja thermal power plant is expected to be completed by the end of the year.
