Eko-tim report finds Montenegro's environmental penalties lack deterrence

An analysis by the non-governmental organization Eko-tim reveals that Montenegro’s penal policy regarding environmental impact assessments has a limited deterrent effect. The study examined 58 final misdemeanor cases between 2020 and 2025, conducted in the courts of Bijelo Polje, Podgorica, and Budva.

Common violations included starting projects or activities without required environmental impact study approvals or failing to implement protection measures established by official decisions. Of the 58 cases analyzed, 39 (67.2%) resulted in fines, while 17 (29.3%) ended without established responsibility due to suspended proceedings or acquittals.

Eko-tim expressed particular concern that in at least 24 of the 39 fined cases (61.5%), the penalty was below the legal minimum for at least one accused party. The total nominal amount of fines across these 39 cases was 50,180 euros. Milija Čabarkapa, Executive Director of Eko-tim, noted that such low penalties create a risk where environmental compliance is viewed merely as an additional cost and violations are treated as acceptable business risks.