Joint Press Release by the NGO Montenegrin Ecologists Society and EuroNatur
++ Delays in environmental assessment and decision-making raise serious concerns about transparency and governance ++ ++ Procedural shortcomings and legal circumventions undermine public trust in Montenegro’s environmental commitments ++
Radolfzell, Podgorica, 19 May 2025 – A coalition of more than 200 international scientists, legal experts, energy specialists, and ecologists—together with over 20 national NGOs—calls on the Government of Montenegro to immediately halt plans for the construction of the “Komarnica” hydropower plant in the canyon of the same name. In an open letter to national authorities, the signatories demand the cancellation of this controversial project, citing irreversible environmental damage, political interference, and the failure to comply with legal obligations.
Despite strong concerns raised by ecologists and opposition from experts, the environmental impact assessment procedure for the Komarnica hydropower plant project (the Environmental Impact Assessment Report) has been marked by serious irregularities. Following a review period lasting 855 days, the Report was resubmitted in February 2025, with significant delay and still burdened by major shortcomings. These circumstances further reinforce the position of civil society that the Report must be fully rejected and that the project cannot be granted environmental approval. However, the Environmental Protection Agency of Montenegro has yet to issue an official decision. This delay raises concerns that political pressure from the project investor is undermining transparency and a science-based process, posing serious questions about accountability and governance.
“We are awaiting the Agency’s final decision and demand accountability from all responsible parties,” said Andrijana Mićanović, Secretary General of the Montenegrin Ecologists Society. “Approving this project would not only destroy a national treasure, but would further erode public trust in environmental decision-making processes.”
Despite widespread concern from experts and civil society, the Montenegrin government appears determined to proceed with the project. However, no credible analysis of costs and benefits, energy efficiency, or public interest has been made public. Independent assessments show that construction costs have nearly doubled since 2012, reaching €343 million, while the project would contribute less than 2% of Montenegro’s total energy needs. Experts emphasize that sustainable alternatives, such as hybrid solar and wind energy systems, exist and could deliver greater returns without sacrificing vital ecosystems.
The call to halt the Komarnica project comes at a time when civil society across Montenegro is growing increasingly concerned about recent political moves that enable mega-infrastructure investments by international actors while bypassing environmental protection laws. The European Commission has also expressed serious concern over the Montenegrin parliament’s decision to open the door to development along Velika Plaža, a 12-kilometre-long beach and one of the country’s last untouched natural oases.
“As Montenegro continues on its path toward EU membership, respect for environmental laws, the assurance of transparent processes, and the protection of natural heritage must remain non-negotiable,” emphasized dr Amelie Huber, Freshwater Projects Manager at EuroNatur.
Background information:
The Komarnica Canyon, one of the last wild rivers in Montenegro, has been identified as a candidate site for the EU Natura 2000 network and the Emerald Network. At the national level, it is already protected as a Nature Park and a Natural Monument. Its exceptional biodiversity value and pristine beauty have also led UNESCO experts to propose its inclusion within Durmitor National Park.
The Save Komarnica Initiative, supported by EuroNatur and the Crnogorsko društvo ekologa, calls on the Government to reject the Komarnica dam project and to focus instead on genuinely sustainable, science-based solutions.
The Save the Blue Heart of Europe campaign is coordinated by the German and Austrian NGOs EuroNatur and Riverwatch, in partnership with organizations from across the Balkan countries. The campaign aims to protect the region’s valuable rivers, which are threatened by more than 3,500 planned hydropower projects. It opposes large dam projects carried out under the pretext of “green energy production.”
The Montenegrin Ecologists Society has conducted environmental, legal, and energy analyses, actively engaged local communities and international scientists, and organized campaigns to protect the Komarnica River from hydropower development. It has also monitored the environmental impact assessment (EIA) processes and can provide all relevant information.
Contact for the media:
Andrijana Mićanović – [email protected] / +382 69 883 485 General secretary / Montenegrin Ecologists Society
Anika Konsek – [email protected] EuroNatur