The situation in the Montenegrin economy is very bad, and great opportunities for cooperation with the EU economy have been missed since August 30th, 2020, and instead of progress, we are seeing regression, assessed the representative of the EU for the Western Balkans and economic cooperation with Montenegro, James Schilling.
“The key challenge, in my opinion, lies in the lack of concrete actions after huge promises,” Schilling said.
He stated that Montenegro is facing the need for urgent reforms, especially in diversifying the economy and creating a sustainable development model that does not depend exclusively on tourism.
Schilling is dissatisfied because he believes that the idea of ​​the economy in Montenegro has died, comparing it to the situation in a kindergarten as of August 30, 2020.
“I have to say that I am quite disappointed with the current situation in Montenegro. Until the end of August 2020, there were great opportunities for development and cooperation with the EU economy. Unfortunately, not much has happened since then, and some have even canceled their cooperation. The economy of Montenegro, instead of developing, is stagnating. “To me, it’s like being back in kindergarten,” Schilling said.
When asked what Montenegro could have done, but did not do, he harshly criticized the previous two governments, claiming that all plans remained words, without concrete actions. He particularly emphasized the missed opportunities in connection with renewable energy sources, such as solar sources.
“They wanted everything with words, but they did nothing.” They failed completely. Studies were completed for renewable forms of energy such as solar sources in two places in Montenegro. A lot of things have been missed”, Schilling said and added that tourism is good, but that it cannot be the only source of income throughout the year.
He believes that renewable energy choices are key pillars of sustainable development.
“They not only contribute to the preservation of the environment but also to the creation of jobs, while small craft businesses can diversify the economy.” We must invest in the development of small and medium-sized enterprises that will create jobs and employ young people, instead of relying exclusively on tourism with tourists from the region who come only for a short period, shortening the season year after year. Agriculture has potential for export, and the development of nursing homes for foreigners could attract wealthy pensioners from Europe, creating a new economic branch,” Schilling said, adding that they have good pensions and could spend a lot of time in Montenegro.
He believes that the only chance for the citizens of Montenegro is to join the EU, because it offers security and brings jobs. He also recommended hiring experts from abroad to write EU projects.
