Laković: Transition without losing jobs is the key goal of the Pljevlja Coal Mine

Transition without losing a single job is the main goal of the business transformation of the Pljevlja Coal Mine, said Executive Director Nemanja Laković at the RE:D investment conference held in Budva.

The statement from the largest Pljevlja company states that Laković said that the transition of all jobs will be done in phases.

"The ultimate goal of the transition is not to lose a single job, but to transition all jobs so that they are protected. But we must do this in phases, gradually, and ensure that we do not jeopardize either the energy or financial stability of Montenegro," said Laković.

Speaking about the concrete steps the company has already taken, Laković pointed to the formation of new companies through a reconstruction plan and job transfers.

"However, we have decided to make the transition given our obligations and the path to the EU. As part of the job transfer through the company's reconstruction plan, we are forming 12 new companies from the base of people we already have. We have already launched three companies and provided 150 new jobs, which also represents the first results of business transformation in the region. We have a detailed plan for the other companies we planned, but we also need financial support," Laković emphasized.

The statement also states that an initiative has been launched to open a Just Transition Fund for countries that are not members of the European Union, which, as assessed, would significantly accelerate the process of energy and just transition.

Laković also emphasized that the energy sector, natural resources, geographical position and available space for new business zones represent a strong foundation for the arrival of investors, recalling the fact that Montenegro is currently both energy and economically dependent on the RUP system - TPP "Pljevlja".

The two-day conference brought together more than 300 participants from Montenegro, the region and the international business community, including representatives of banks, investment funds and government institutions.