Forest Disaster in Montenegro: How a New Law Destroyed the Sector and Cost Millions!
Did you know Montenegro is currently losing millions of euros due to a catastrophic state in its forestry sector? Yes, you read that right! Since January 1st this year, a new Forest Law was supposed to bring order and prosperity, but instead, the sector is in total collapse.
What’s going on?
Vladimir Joković, Director of the Forestry Administration, and Miloš Rajković, key figures in this sector, are set to be questioned over the alarming state of Montenegro’s forests. Opposition parties including DPS, URA, and Social Democrats have submitted an initiative for a control hearing because the situation is out of control.
Citizens cannot get firewood, and some even protested in mid-May! To make matters worse, the European Union pulled back 2.4 million euros from IPA funds allocated for forestry because Montenegro is not respecting agreements and is failing to cooperate properly.
Why did this chaos happen?
Although the law came into effect in mid-August last year, its full implementation was planned only from January 1st this year. However, the state has not established a new company to manage the forests, has not allocated budget funds for its operation, nor provided the necessary machinery. In short, the law exists, but there’s no one to enforce it!
Consequences?
- Millions lost from the state budget
- Citizens left without firewood
- Protests and public dissatisfaction
- EU withdrawing funds and losing trust
Will anyone be held accountable?
DPS MP Aleksandra Despotović clearly states that under normal circumstances, someone would have already resigned for causing such damage to the budget and the country’s reputation. But it seems no one feels responsible.
Committee Chairman Dejan Đurović announced amendments to the law and demands an urgent hearing of Joković, who reportedly agrees. But will that be enough to save forestry and the citizens?
Montenegro’s forestry sector is on the brink of collapse, and we’re all paying the price!
If you care about forests, warmth in your homes, and taxpayers’ money, it’s time to ask – who is really to blame and why is nothing changing? Drop a comment if you think it’s time for a real revolution in forest management or if you have your own ideas to save the situation. Maybe it’s time for you to become a forest hero!
Bonus video: Watch statements from key players and citizens’ reactions to this disaster.
Summary: Montenegro’s forestry is in chaos due to failure in implementing the new law. The EU withdrew 2.4 million euros, citizens protest due to lack of firewood, and those responsible have yet to face consequences. The new law exists only on paper; without implementation and financial support, forests are dying, and the state is losing millions.
If you made it this far, drop a comment – is this just the tip of the iceberg or will something finally change? Who knows, maybe your idea will be the one to save Montenegro’s forests!
