The eighteenth meeting of the Subcommittee on Transport, Environment, Energy, and Regional Policy between Montenegro and the European Union was held today in Podgorica.
The meeting was co-chaired by Montenegro’s Chief Negotiator, Predrag Zenović, and the Deputy Head of Unit for Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina at the Directorate-General for Neighborhood and Enlargement Negotiations, Heinke Veit, on behalf of the European Commission.
The Minister of Ecology, Sustainable Development, and Northern Development, Damjan Ćulafić, and the State Secretary at the Ministry of Ecology, Sustainable Development, and Northern Development, Nenad Vitomirović, addressed the participants.
“Our common objective is clear – an energy-stable, European-integrated Montenegro, a country dedicated to sustainable development,” stated the Chief Negotiator, emphasizing that progress in the Green Agenda and sustainable connectivity cluster is crucial for Montenegro’s EU integration process, as these represent the fundamental long-term policies of the European project and a legacy for future generations.
He emphasised that the adoption of the Road Traffic Safety Improvement Strategy for the period 2024–2030, along with the accompanying Action Plan, sets clear goals for improving transport infrastructure and safety. Underlining the importance of legislative harmonization, he announced several legislative activities. He stated that regulatory improvements in the transport sector continue with the support of international experts, creating conditions for a safer, more efficient, and economically sustainable transport system.
Deputy Head of Unit for Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina at the Directorate-General for Neighborhood and Enlargement Negotiations, Heinke Veit, stressed the significance of implementing reforms at this main stage of the accession process, reaffirming the European Commission’s commitment to supporting Montenegro in this endeavor.
“The Government of Montenegro has set an ambitious goal – the provisional closure of the remaining negotiation chapters by the end of 2026. To achieve this, all political actors must unite and fulfill the obligations of the EU agenda, without distractions from secondary issues,” Veit stated.
Special accent was set on the support available through the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance and the Growth Plan, with a particular focus on significant support within the Reform Agenda for the sectors covered by this Subcommittee.
Minister of Ecology, Sustainable Development, and Northern Development, Damjan Ćulafić, on behalf of the Government of Montenegro, expressed gratitude to the EU for its unequivocal support for the country’s European perspective and fundamental systemic as well as value-based reforms.
“In Chapter 27, Montenegro still has eight final benchmarks to meet in order to close the chapter. In terms of the implementation and enforcement of regulations, we are fully committed to harmonization with EU legislation, particularly in the areas of horizontal legislation, nature protection, climate change, chemicals, and noise,” said Ćulafić.
He noted that today, Montenegro can take pride in the completion of the Draft Law on Nature Protection and the adoption of the updated Nationally Determined Contribution in the fight against climate change, with an ambitious plan to reduce GHG emissions by 55% by 2030 and 60% by 2035.
“In line with the new Waste Management Law, the Draft National Waste Management Plan for the period 2025–2029 has been prepared. The Action Plan for the implementation of the Plan defines goals and tasks in accordance with the Waste Management Law, Montenegro’s obligations as an EU candidate country, and the current state of waste management,” said Minister Ćulafić.
He pointed out that 16 by-laws have been adopted under the Waste Management Law, and 31 additional acts have been prepared.
“To further align with the EU acquis, the Ministry of Ecology, Sustainable Development, and Northern Development has finalized the Climate Change Law. The adoption of this law will also enable the fulfillment of obligations outlined in the Decarbonization Roadmap within the Energy Community,” said Minister Ćulafić.
He reiterated that Montenegro is actively working towards joining the EU’s LIFE program, creating essential administrative prerequisites.
“I expect Montenegro’s accession to this program and the signing of the agreement by the end of April or in the first half of May this year,” Minister Ćulafić stated.
State Secretary at the Ministry of Ecology, Sustainable Development, and Northern Development, Head of the Working Group for Chapter 27, and member of the negotiating team for Cluster 4, Nenad Vitomirović, emphasized Montenegro’s full commitment to EU accession and expressed hope that the European Commission recognizes the efforts invested in the negotiation process.
“I am certain that in the coming period, with your guidance and continued support, we will achieve even better results,” said Vitomirović.
Chief Negotiator Zenović highlighted that the adoption of the Energy Law and the Law on the Security of Supply of Petroleum Products, along with the implementation of energy efficiency programs, directly benefits citizens, especially in northern municipalities. He emphasized that energy remains a key pillar of Montenegro’s economic policy, both in the context of the green transition and the strengthening of energy security.
He expressed assurance that the adoption of the National Energy and Climate Plan would reinforce Montenegro’s commitment to sustainable development goals and the European Green Deal. He concluded by stating that Montenegro possesses enormous potential in renewable energy sources.
Zenović also pointed to the progress made in preparing the revised Action Plan for Cohesion Policy, which is essential for the use of EU funds. He reiterated the focus on regional development, reducing economic disparities, and strengthening institutional capacities for the efficient absorption of funds.
MINISTRY OF EUROPEAN AFFAIRS
MINISTRY OF ECOLOGY, SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT, AND NORTHERN DEVELOPMENT