Constitutional Court Upholds Protection of UNESCO Site Over Investors' Interests

On July 8, 2026, the Constitutional Court of Montenegro ruled in favor of preserving the Natural and Cultural-Historical Region of Kotor, a UNESCO World Heritage site, by rejecting five constitutional appeals from investors seeking construction permits in the area.

Details of the Court's Decision

The investors had applied for construction permits, asserting that they met all legal requirements at the time of their applications. However, their requests were denied based on regulations adopted after their submissions. The applicants contended that this retroactive application of new regulations violated their rights to a fair trial and peaceful enjoyment of property.

The Constitutional Court found that the protection of the UNESCO-listed site takes precedence over individual investors' interests. The court emphasized the importance of preserving the cultural and historical integrity of the Kotor region, aligning with international commitments to safeguard world heritage sites.

Implications of the Ruling

This landmark decision underscores Montenegro's dedication to cultural preservation and adherence to international heritage protection standards. It sets a precedent for future development projects within protected areas, indicating that environmental and cultural considerations will outweigh private investment interests.

Investors and developers are advised to conduct thorough due diligence and consult with relevant authorities when planning projects in or near protected sites to ensure compliance with existing and forthcoming regulations.

For more information on this ruling, refer to the official report from Portal ETV.