Pečurice, Montenegro2021
Montelibero
A decentralized libertarian social movement and intentional community, focused on establishing a free and self-organized society in Montenegro based on the non-aggression principle and individual sovereignty.
What is Montelibero?
The Montelibero Project is a social experiment in Montenegro that aims to build a sustainable, successful society on a national scale by combining libertarian and panarchist ideas with local cultural characteristics.
Principles
Montelibero aims to become a convincing practical example of the competitive advantages of freedom, non-aggression, voluntary contracts, and self-organization. They prioritize the:
- Creation and development of an independent economic infrastructure.
- Facilitation of the migration to countries fundamental to the project.
- Involvement of residents in the project.
- Identification, initialization and support of successful libertarian models and practices.
- Crowdfunding of the resources of the global libertarian diaspora.
- Strengthening and developing of the association as a fully functional example of extraterritorial jurisdiction.
History
Montelibero's movement began in December 2021 when the first settlers arrived in Montenegro.
It quickly experienced a significant inflow of Russians, and later attracted members from over-regulated EU countries, particularly Germany.
Since its founding, the community has developed MTL City (a residential place on a hectare of land), the EURMTL stablecoin system for cashless payments, and has hosted annual MTL Fest libertarian festivals starting in September 2023.
The first permanent resident moved to MTL City in May 2023. By mid-2024, MTL City had 17 residents across two buildings.
Currently, construction continues as the city also incorporates a modular home production facility.
The EURMTL is a stablecoin pegged to the euro, backed with fiat and other liquid assets like Bitcoin.
Location
Montelibero is a transnational online community, but it focuses its physical activities in Montenegro, mainly in the coastal municipality of Bar, where MTL City is being built.
Montenegro's small size, strategic location, ethnic diversity, developed democracy, and relative tolerance create favorable conditions for libertarian reforms.
Duration
Montelibero is a permanent settlement project. Members can move to Montenegro indefinitely under standard visa or residency regulations, or visit for shorter periods to attend festivals and meetups.
Pricing
There isn't a ticket sale, service fee or other direct purchasing options that Montelibero specifically provides.
In 2023, a couple bought a 33sqm "shell" house for €27,000 in MTL City.
In the municipality of Bar, prices usually range from €1,200 to €3,000 per sqm for houses and cottages.
Amenities
Amenities in MTL City include:
- Modular housing units.
- 1 hectare of developed land.
- Access to EURMTL stablecoin system.
- Proximity to the coast.
- Events, workshops, and festivals.
Reviews
" Montelibero is populated by émigrés from Russia and Ukraine. " Ljubomir Filipovic and Iryna Khalip, Writers at Balkan Insight
Established in 2021 on Montenegro’s Adriatic coast, Montelibero models itself as an anarcho-capitalist idyll for crypto enthusiasts, populated by émigrés from Russia and Ukraine.
" Atmosphere was genuinely international. " Liberland's Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Although the audience was mostly Russian and Montenegrin... the atmosphere was genuinely international. People came from Norway, Canada, the United States, Australia, Moldova, Serbia and other places to share ideas about building freer, more resilient communities.
" Maybe it works because we are still a small community. " Tatiana Bugrova, Member and Land Owner in Montelibero
If you have an idea, bring it up. Let’s put it on the table. Let’s discuss it. And yeah, we can potentially make it happen. Maybe it works because we are still a relatively small community.
How can you get involved?
- Join Telegram.
- Attend MTL Fest or events nearby.
- Join the Montelibero Association.
- Engage with EURMTL.
- Participate in the DAO governance.
- Donate.
- Visit or relocate to Bar, Montenegro.
Residency in Montenegro is subject to national laws.
FAQs
What is the goal of Montelibero?
To build a functioning libertarian society at a national scale. They've set the goal of testing the hypothesis that libertarian and panarchist principles and methods truly produce the best results in solving most, if not all, social problems.
Who is Montelibero for?
For anyone - from libertines and anarcho-communists to conservatives and ultra-capitalists - that recognizes that one's freedom ends at the tip of another's nose.
Why Montenegro?
Montenegro's small size, strategic geographic location between EU and Balkans, ethnic diversity, developed democracy, and relative tolerance of experimentation make it attractive for the establishment of alternative governance structures.
Is Montelibero an exclusive Russian-speaking community?
Montelibero's members are mainly Russian-speakers, although the goal is to be international. The movement includes people from Ukraine, Germany, India, Israel, Russia, Lithuania, Bulgaria, and elsewhere.
How many people reside in MTL City?
It is estimated that around 20 people are permanently residing at MTL City.
What is EURMTL and why was it created?
EURMTL is a euro-pegged stablecoin backed by fiat reserves and liquid assets like Bitcoin. It was created to enable cashless payments within the community, as electronic payments are not developed in Montenegro.
What documents do I need to move to Montelibero?
Montenegro offers visa-free stays of up to 90 days for citizens of many countries. If you plan to remain longer, you must apply for a residence permit, which typically requires a valid passport, a diploma, a criminal record certificate, birth and marriage certificates.