Montenegro Accused of Secretly Removing River from EU Protected Areas

Vaso Knežević, a Montenegrin environmental activist, has accused authorities of secretly removing the Ćehotina River from the Natura 2000 protected areas network. He claims that the public consultation process was undermined, with a different, reduced map being adopted instead of the one agreed upon by citizens. This move allegedly violates EU legal frameworks, potentially causing serious issues for Montenegro in Chapter 27 of its EU accession negotiations. Knežević describes the situation as a textbook example of scientific and professional criteria being overridden by exploitation lobbies. The Ćehotina River is a significant natural resource in Montenegro, and its removal from Natura 2000 could have long-term environmental and legal consequences.

Global Impact

This incident highlights a broader tension between EU environmental standards and domestic economic pressures in accession countries. If Montenegro faces EU sanctions or delays in Chapter 27, it could discourage other Balkan nations from pursuing rigorous environmental protections.