“The role of municipalities in Montenegro’s European integration process is very important because it is precisely at the local level that the real needs of citizens are identified, priorities are defined, and activities that directly impact quality of life are implemented. That is why strong and well-organized municipalities are the starting point of any progress,” said Minister of European Affairs Maida Gorčević during Europe Day in Tuzi.
On that occasion, Minister Gorčević and Deputy Prime Minister Nik Gjeloshaj met with the President of the Municipality, Lindon Gjelaj, and exchanged views on the economic and overall development of the Municipality, as well as on current development projects and opportunities to secure additional funding from EU programmes.
Minister Gorčević stated that cross-border cooperation is not merely a technical framework for project implementation, but the very essence of the European idea. She emphasized that through joint work with neighbors, we demonstrate that sustainable development and environmental protection do not recognize administrative borders, but rather represent a shared responsibility of the entire region.
“The European Union is our most important partner in this regard. Through European Territorial Cooperation programmes under the IPA III perspective alone, institutions and organizations from Montenegro are participating in 293 projects, with a total of €63.5 million allocated to Montenegrin partners. These funds are invested in innovation, sustainable development, energy efficiency, and environmental protection, but above all in strengthening the capacities of our institutions and local communities. Simply put, we are enabling our cities to reach European standards,” the Minister said.
Deputy Prime Minister Gjeloshaj stated that European funds are not merely a financial instrument, but a means of transforming municipalities and the state—raising standards, introducing rules, strengthening accountability, and making local communities more competitive.
“Our task is clear—to transform local governments from passive beneficiaries into active project leaders. Without strong municipalities, there is no strong state. Without municipalities capable of implementing projects, there is no European Montenegro,” he said.
He added that the Government’s support therefore means systemic assistance in project preparation, coordination between ministries and the local level, removal of administrative barriers, and clear accountability for results.
“We are now in the phase of preparing a major investment cycle that will come with full EU membership. The question is not whether funds will be available. The question is whether we will be ready. That is why we need to strengthen capacities, enhance cooperation with the Government and municipalities, and bring together all our experience and knowledge in one place so that we are prepared for what lies ahead,” Gjeloshaj emphasized.
President of the Municipality Gjelaj stated that the projects “To Zero Waste” and “CROSSMART” represent a clear vision of a sustainable and European future for Tuzi.
“The ‘Zero Waste’ concept is not just about waste management—it is a shift in mindset. It is responsibility toward the space in which we live, toward the nature we have inherited, and toward the generations to come,” Gjelaj said.
He added that the “CROSSMART” project, through the application of modern technologies such as drones and soil quality analysis devices, connects ecology and economy—environmental protection and local economic development.
“The support of the Government of Montenegro and the Ministry of European Affairs is of exceptional importance. Through projects like these, we demonstrate that European integration is not merely an administrative process, but concrete changes on the ground—cleaner streets, more modern waste management systems, innovation in agriculture, and a higher quality of life for our citizens,” Gjelaj concluded.
As part of Europe Day, Government members toured valuable equipment acquired by the Municipality of Tuzi through the “To Zero Waste” and “CROSSMART” projects, implemented under the Interreg IPA CBC Croatia–Bosnia and Herzegovina–Montenegro Programme.
At the presentation of project results, it was highlighted that the CROSSMART project, worth approximately €1.5 million, is focused on the development of smart agriculture, which will bring more modern production, better planning, and greater competitiveness for farmers in Tuzi.
It was also emphasized that the second project, “To Zero Waste,” with a total value exceeding €2.2 million, will contribute to improving the waste management system, strengthen selective waste collection for around 1,000 households, businesses, and institutions, and further raise citizens’ awareness through long-term planning.
During the visit to Tuzi, Minister Gorčević, Deputy Prime Minister Gjeloshaj, and President Gjelaj also visited the Elementary School “Mahmut Lekić,” where they spoke with students about the importance of Montenegro’s accession to the EU. Students participated in a quiz on knowledge about the European Union, and the best performers were awarded prizes.
Europe Day in Tuzi was organized within the framework of the EU4ME project – “Support to the Communication of the European Integration Process.”
MINISTRY OF EUROPEAN AFFAIRS