Pljevlja is entering a new development phase, and investments in infrastructure, energy, healthcare and new jobs place this city at the very top of state priorities, it was announced at a session of the Council for a Just Transition of Montenegro.
The Council session was held today in Pljevlja, at the initiative of the Minister of Energy and Mining, Admir Šahmanović.
"Helding the session in Pljevlja has special significance, as it is a municipality that has been the backbone of the state's energy system for decades and which today plays a key role in building a new, sustainable energy future," the Ministry said in a statement.
Šahmanović said that Montenegro is resolutely implementing the energy transition, but in a way that is fair and focused on people and local communities.
"Pljevlja is not just part of the energy transition, Pljevlja is its center. That is why this city will be at the very top of our development and investment priorities during the next year, but also in the years ahead," emphasized Šahmanović.
During the session, a constructive and substantive discussion was held, to which Ministers Anđela Jakšić Stojanović and Naida Nišić contributed with their suggestions and comments, with the aim of better coordination between institutions and creating a quality model and a clear direction of action in the process of just transition.
Šahmanović recalled that key reform and investment processes have already been launched, primarily the adoption of the National Energy and Climate Plan, the adoption of the Law on the Use of Energy from Renewable Sources, and the launch of the first auction for renewable energy sources in Montenegro.
The Council session was also attended by representatives of international organizations, Montenegro's partners in this complex process.
The Executive Director of the Pljevlja Coal Mine, Nemanja Laković, presented the Transformation Plan of this company in the context of a just transition.
The session adopted the Framework of the Just Transition Roadmap of Montenegro, with an action plan and training and retraining programs for the period 2025–2027, specifically focused on the Pljevlja coal region, as well as a concept for further development of the National Just Transition Plan with the support of the World Bank (WB).
"A special focus was on specific projects that directly impact the lives of the citizens of Pljevlja, from energy efficiency programs, improving water supply and heating, to the construction of a new General Hospital and investments in road, educational, sports and recreational infrastructure," the statement said.
It was also announced that major road projects worth over 40 million euros are planned for next year.
Šahmanović said that the Ministry of Energy and Mining, in cooperation with international partners and the local community, will continuously invest in Pljevlja.
"Our obligation is that the energy transition brings new jobs, better infrastructure and a safer future to Pljevlja. This is not a short-term project, it is a long-term state policy," concluded Šahmanović.
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