The Chief Negotiator of Montenegro with the European Union, Predrag Zenović, participated at the European Parliament in Brussels in an event dedicated to assessing Montenegro’s readiness to close Chapter 27 – Environment and Climate Change, titled: “Beyond Mere Compliance: Natura 2000 and Protected Areas as a True Indicator of Montenegro’s Readiness to Close Chapter 27.”
Zenović discussed with representatives of the European Commission, the European Parliament, the organization Euronatur, and civil society issues related to the Ulcinj Saltworks, river management, and the development of hydropower projects, with a review of examples of good practice.
The Chief Negotiator emphasized that significant progress has been made over the past two years, particularly through reform steps implemented since October 2025, including the adoption of the State Waste Management Plan, the Law on Climate Change, the National Energy and Climate Plan, and the Low-Carbon Development Strategy. He believes that by adopting the remaining legislative framework in both nature protection and climate change, and through further implementation, Montenegro will make a historic step forward in environmental policy.
“Montenegro has entered the final phase of negotiations in Chapter 27, with planned closure in the last quarter of 2026. We are intensively working on fulfilling the remaining obligations, and the draft final report has already been submitted to the European Commission, while we are actively working on the negotiating position,” said Zenović.
Particular focus was placed on establishing the Natura 2000 network, which Zenović identified as one of the key tests of readiness for closing the chapter. He stated that a broad consultative process is underway with the wider and expert public, non-governmental organizations, and that it is expected that the Government will adopt the proposal for the network in June and submit it to the European Commission.
Speaking about challenges, Zenović pointed to limited administrative and financial capacities, particularly in the areas of waste management, water quality, and climate change, as well as the need for further strengthening of inspection services. The importance of improving public awareness was also highlighted, along with the need for stronger social engagement in environmental protection and preparing the administration for cohesion funds, which will play a decisive role for this chapter.
He concluded that closing Chapter 27 will not mark the end of the process, but the beginning of more intensive implementation of standards and further improvement of environmental quality.
“Environmental protection goes beyond the negotiation process; it is a matter of responsibility towards future generations and the preservation of Montenegro’s natural values,” Zenović stated.
MINISTRY OF EUROPEAN AFFAIRS