The 18th 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 Heinke Veit, Deputy Head of Unit for Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina at the Directorate-General for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations, on behalf of the European Commission. The Minister of Ecology, Sustainable Development and Northern Region Development, Damjan Ćulafić, and State Secretary in the same Ministry, Nenad Vitomirović, also addressed the participants.
“Our shared goal is clear – an energy-stable, European-connected Montenegro, a country dedicated to sustainable development,” said Chief Negotiator Zenović, emphasizing that progress in the green agenda and sustainable connectivity cluster is essential for Montenegro’s EU integration process and for the core long-term policies of the European project, as well as a legacy for future generations.
He reminded that the adoption of the Strategy for Improving Road Safety for the period 2024–2030 and the accompanying Action Plan sets clear objectives for improving traffic infrastructure and safety. Highlighting the importance of legislative alignment, he announced more legislative activities. He stated that regulatory improvements in the field of transport continue with the support of international experts, creating conditions for a safer, more efficient, and economically sustainable transport system.
Heinke Veit emphasized the importance of implementing reforms at this critical stage of the accession process and reaffirmed the European Commission’s commitment to supporting Montenegro in this endeavor.
“The Government of Montenegro has set an ambitious goal – to provisionally close the remaining negotiating chapters by the end of 2026. To achieve this, all political actors must unite and fulfill the obligations of the EU agenda,” said Veit.
Special emphasis was placed on support available through the Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance (IPA) and the Growth Plan, particularly the significant support provided under the Reform Agenda for the sectors covered by this Subcommittee.
Minister Ćulafić thanked the EU on behalf of the Government of Montenegro for its unequivocal support of the European perspective and for fundamental systemic and value-based reforms.
“In Chapter 27, Montenegro has eight remaining closing benchmarks to fulfill in order to close the chapter. Regarding the implementation of regulations, we are fully committed to harmonizing with EU legislation, especially in the areas of horizontal legislation, nature protection, climate change, chemicals, and noise,” said Ćulafić.
He noted that Montenegro can now highlight the completed Draft Law on Nature Protection and the adopted updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) in the fight against climate change, which includes an ambitious plan to reduce GHG emissions by 55% by 2030 and by 60% by 2035.
“In accordance with the new Waste Management Law, the Draft State Waste Management Plan for the period 2025–2029 has been prepared. The Action Plan for implementing the Waste Management Plan sets out goals and tasks aligned with the Waste Management Law, Montenegro’s obligations as an EU candidate country, and the current state of waste management,” Ćulafić said.
He added that 16 by-laws have been adopted in line with the Waste Management Law, and 31 legal acts have been prepared.
“To further align with the EU acquis, the Ministry has finalized the Law on Climate Change. Its adoption will also enable the fulfillment of obligations defined by the Roadmap for Decarbonization within the Energy Community,” Ćulafić added.
He also recalled that Montenegro is actively working toward joining the EU LIFE programme, thereby creating important administrative prerequisites.
“I expect us to join the program and sign the agreement by the end of April or in the first half of May this year,” he said.
State Secretary Nenad Vitomirović, head of the Working Group for Chapter 27 and member of the negotiating team for Cluster 4, stated that Montenegro is fully committed to joining the European Union and expressed hope that the European Commission recognizes the efforts being made in the negotiation process.
“I am confident that with your guidance and continuous support, we will achieve even better results in the coming period,” said Vitomirović.
Chief Negotiator Zenović recalled 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, particularly in the northern municipalities. He emphasized that energy remains a key pillar of Montenegro’s economic policy—both in the context of the green transition and in strengthening energy security.
He expressed confidence that the adoption of the National Energy and Climate Plan will reinforce Montenegro’s commitment to sustainable development goals and the European Green Deal, concluding that Montenegro has tremendous potential in renewable energy sources.
Zenović also highlighted progress in preparing the revised Action Plan for Cohesion Policy, which is key for the use of EU funds. He noted that the focus remains on regional development, reducing economic disparities, and strengthening institutional capacities for efficient fund absorption.