Milatovic at UN Development Finance Conference: Montenegro’s Small Economy Faces Big Challenges
Montenegro’s President Jakov Milatovic recently took the stage at the 4th United Nations International Conference on Financing for Development (FFD4) held in Seville. Hosted by Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and UN Secretary-General António Guterres, the event gathered over 70 heads of state, leaders of international financial institutions, civil society representatives, and private sector players.
Montenegro on the big stage – but with a small voice?
Milatovic addressed the plenary session, highlighting the challenges and priorities of Montenegro as a small, open economy striving to join the European Union. Despite its size, the president seized the opportunity to present Montenegro as a credible and constructive partner on the international scene.
But is Montenegro truly ready to tackle the global issues of financing sustainable development? The conference aimed to find solutions to the chronic underfunding of sustainable development goals, a critical moment for strengthening international cooperation and reforming the global financial architecture.
Gala dinners and bilateral meetings – real diplomacy or just show?
Besides official speeches, Milatovic attended a gala dinner hosted by King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia, and held numerous bilateral meetings. It sounds like classic diplomacy, but the question remains: how much concrete benefit will Montenegro actually gain from these encounters?
What does this mean for Montenegro?
Participation in such forums can be a valuable opportunity to promote the country and its policies, as well as showcase progress on the path to sustainable development and full EU membership. However, the reality is that Montenegro still faces many economic and political challenges that must be addressed to truly align with European standards.
Bottom line: Small country, big problems
While the world debates major financing issues, Montenegro is trying to carve out its place in the sun. Milatovic’s participation is a step in the right direction, but will it be enough to overcome internal problems and the challenges of a small economy?
If you have thoughts on whether Montenegro can handle these global challenges or if it’s all just a public relations show, feel free to drop a comment – maybe your critique or joke will spark the real conversation!
Blockade in Srđevac: Locals Fight Quarry Plans, Fear Landslides
While Milatovic tackles big international topics, local problems in Montenegro can’t wait. Residents of Srđevac in Bijelo Polje blocked the main road to protest plans for a quarry. Their fear? Landslides and erosion that could destroy their homes and farmland.
Lawyer Azra Jasavic points out that the quarry’s environmental report failed to address the key issue – erosion and landslides. Expert Professor Ivanovic warned that opening the quarry would cause progressive land slippage and damage that would be very hard to fix.
Locals question why urban planning permits were issued despite negative opinions from the national electricity transmission system and why public hearings were delayed. They vow not to allow legal violations and to fight for their community.
Local problems screaming while big topics are discussed
This blockade is just one example of how local communities in Montenegro feel the consequences of poor planning and government neglect. While the international scene talks about sustainable development, people on the ground fight for basic rights and safety.
Is Montenegro ready for the EU if it can’t solve these problems?
That question remains open. Maybe it’s time to shift focus from gala dinners and conferences to real citizen issues. Or at least someone should explain how Montenegro plans to balance big international ambitions with the everyday realities of its people.
If this sounds like a classic Montenegrin saga – big talk, small results – share your thoughts. Who knows, maybe your critique or joke will be the voice of reason in this story!
