Satler: Local self-governments are essential for bringing European values ​​and standards closer to citizens

Representatives of five ministries, the Union of Municipalities and 25 local self-government units signed a Memorandum of Cooperation, the aim of which is to support the development of the capacities of local self-governments, so that they are ready to effectively respond to the requirements of the European Union (EU) accession process.

The memorandum was signed by the ministries of public administration, ecology, sustainable development and development of the north, agriculture, forestry and water management, social care, family care and demography as part of the EU project "Municipalities for the EU - Empowerment of local communities in the process of European integration of Montenegro". , as well as the Ministry of Transport.

EU Ambassador in Montenegro Johan Satler, as announced from the project "Municipalities for the EU - Empowerment of local communities in the EU integration process of Montenegro", said that local self-governments are essential for bringing European values ​​and standards closer to citizens.

"The real indicator of success in the accession of Montenegro to the EU will not be only the adoption of national policies and legislation, but how much they will be implemented at the local level, where it directly affects the lives of citizens," said Satler.

As he stated, by encouraging cooperation between the national and municipal levels, they jointly build the foundation for a more inclusive and effective process of European integration.

"This is not just a framework for cooperation, it is a statement of shared responsibility. It is a declaration that the road to Europe is a collective effort - one that must be built on trust, partnership and the recognition that every level of government has a key role in that process," said Satler.

In the announcement, it is stated that the Memorandum pays special attention to adapting local self-governments to European standards and policies, as well as raising citizens' awareness of the EU.

Minister of Public Administration Maraš Dukaj said that, in the context of current events, changes are necessary, as well as support for local self-governments.

"Only teamwork, to which we invite you all, can give the desired result. In its application, the memorandum should strongly contribute to the decentralization of local self-governments, and that is the best path for democratic progress, to which we are all equally committed," said Dukaj.

The announcement emphasizes that the signing of the Memorandum is a key step in the preparation of local self-government units for the use of EU funds and the improvement of the quality of life of citizens, and the document envisages the establishment of an EU corner in each municipality.

Minister of European Affairs Maida Gorčević emphasized that local governments play a key role in the process of European integration.

"As the level of government closest to the citizens, they are often the first in line to implement policies that come from the negotiation process with the EU," said Gorčević.

As she stated, as much as 70 percent of European legislation is applied at the local level.

"Therefore, our task is to ensure their full involvement in the planning and implementation of activities that lead to the adoption of European standards and values," said Gorčević.

By signing, local self-government units undertook to establish services for European integration, in accordance with municipal decisions on organization and work methods.

"These services will, among other things, deal with the preparation of projects for the collection of funds from EU funds, the management of projects financed from EU funds, the coordination of activities related to the EU accession process, and adequate resources for the work of these services will also be provided," the statement says. .

President of the Board of Directors of the Union of Municipalities, Radoš Žugić, said that municipalities are the first in line when it comes to providing services to citizens and applying European standards in everyday life.

"It is extremely important that local governments have the knowledge, capacities and tools necessary for successful adaptation to European legislation," said Žugić.

The General Secretary of the Union of Municipalities, Mišela Manojlović, pointed out that the project is a chance for local governments to more efficiently use the funds available through EU funds.

"Through this initiative, municipalities will be able to increase their absorption capacity for EU financial aid, which will enable projects to be implemented more efficiently and with a greater positive impact on the daily life of citizens," said Manojlović.

The goal of the project "Municipalities 4 of the EU - Empowerment of local communities in the process of EU integration of Montenegro", which is financed by the European Union, is to support the development of the capacity of local self-governments so that they are ready to effectively respond to the requirements of the EU accession process.