# Montenegro memorial law amendments > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/montenegro-memorial-law-amendments > Updated: 2026-10-17T17:49:43.000Z. Sources: 7. Developments: 2. The Parliament of Montenegro adopted amendments to the Law on Memorials, introducing Article 16a. This mechanism allows the government to retroactively approve monuments erected without following prescribed procedures if they serve a “special public interest” based on historical significance. This legislative shift is viewed as an effort to resolve bilateral tensions with Croatia, specifically regarding a memorial plaque in Morinj dedicated to Croatian prisoners that had been ordered for removal. Following the parliamentary vote, President Jakov Milatović signed the decrees into law. While the President emphasized the need for transparent implementation, the Association of 1990s War Veterans of Montenegro criticized the move. Led by Radan Nikolić, the association characterized the amendments as a “capitulation to demands from Croatia” that undermines Montenegrin independence. The group has announced intentions to seek protection from the Constitutional Court and the Protector of Human Rights and Freedoms. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-17: Montenegro President signs new laws on sports and memorials President Jakov Milatović signed amendments to Montenegro's Law on Sports and Law on Memorials, sparking criticism from war veterans over potential retroactive legalization of controversial monuments. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/montenegro-president-signs-new-laws-on-sports-and-memorials ### 2026-10-15: Montenegro Parliament amends Law on Memorials to allow retroactive approval Montenegro's Parliament passed law amendments allowing the retroactive approval of monuments, potentially resolving a dispute with Croatia over a memorial plaque in Morinj. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/montenegro-parliament-amends-law-on-memorials-to-allow-retroactive-approval --- Cite as: Montenegro memorial law amendments. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/montenegro-memorial-law-amendments