Montenegro Parliament amends Law on Memorials to allow retroactive approval

The Parliament of Montenegro has adopted amendments to the Law on Memorials, introducing a mechanism that allows the government to retroactively approve monuments erected without following prescribed procedures. This new legal framework, specifically Article 16a, enables the government to authorize the retention of such memorials if they serve a special public interest, determined by historical significance and the importance of preserving the memory of victims.

The legislative change is seen as a step toward resolving bilateral tensions with Croatia. One major point of contention has been a memorial plaque in Morinj, located at a former JNA collection center, dedicated to Croatian prisoners. Installed in October 2022, the plaque was ordered for removal by Montenegrin inspectors due to a lack of formal government consent. The preservation of this plaque is a key requirement from Croatia in addressing open bilateral issues between Podgorica and Zagreb.