Montenegro's Velje Brdo housing project faces cost criticism

Data released by Montenegro's Ministry of Public Works shows that the cost to build a square metre in the Velje Brdo housing project exceeds €2,800, more than €900 higher than the average price in Podgorica.

Ana Novaković Đurović, deputy president of the Civic Movement URA, questioned why the state is pursuing the country's most expensive apartments when cheaper construction models exist. She highlighted URA's "House for All" programme, which builds homes on sites with existing infrastructure to cut costs. Novaković Đurović added that the published construction price omits full infrastructure expenses, including foundations, stairways and corridors, which the state ultimately funds. She estimated that if a flat sells for €1,000 per square metre, the government would subsidise over €1,800 per metre, on top of a €30 million boulevard and additional multi‑million euro infrastructure works. The criticism comes amid reports that the national budget lacks sufficient funds for pension increases and worker obligations, yet large allocations are planned for Velje Brdo.