Port of Bar investment faces calls for EU-standard scrutiny

The Independent Union of Seafarers and Dockers of Montenegro has called for increased transparency and oversight regarding the Memorandum of Understanding signed with AD Ports Group concerning the Port of Bar. The union emphasizes that any future arrangements regarding the port must align with new European Union approaches to foreign ownership and control of strategic maritime infrastructure.

Citing EU strategies and opinions from the European Economic and Social Committee, the union warns of risks associated with foreign control over strategic infrastructure, technology, and software. They noted that AD Ports Group is controlled by state capital from Abu Dhabi. The union is advocating for a full review of the investment in accordance with European standards and Montenegro’s emerging foreign investment screening mechanism.

Additionally, the union has requested that the Montenegrin government clarify which entities or individuals are responsible for implementing the Memorandum. They expressed concern that nearly five months after the signing, the composition of the joint working group remains unknown to the public and that the local union organization at the Port of Bar has been excluded from the process.