Montenegro's LIFE program is a confirmation of the support of the European Union (EU) and an additional incentive for more intensive work on achieving the set goals, said the Minister of Ecology, Sustainable Development and Northern Development Damjan Ćulafić.
As announced by the relevant ministry, he spoke with the Deputy Director General of DG Climate Action (CLIMA) Jan Dusik about joint efforts in the fight against climate change and strengthening Montenegro's cooperation with the EU.
Ćulafić emphasized that Montenegro's accession to the LIFE program is not only a confirmation of EU support, but also an additional incentive for more intensive work on achieving the set goals.
"We feel your support during our mandate and I am confident that together we will make significant strides in this field," said Ćulafić, emphasizing the importance of support from the EU Delegation to Montenegro.
He informed Dusik that the draft Law on Climate Change has been completed and aligned with the comments of European Commission (EC) experts, and that it is expected to be submitted to the EC for an official opinion soon.
Ćulafić emphasized that the Climate Change Adaptation Plan has also been completed, but that its harmonization is awaited after the adoption of the Climate Change Law.
Dusik welcomed Montenegro's efforts and praised the finalization of the law, emphasizing that these are major steps towards a sustainable future.
"It is important to ensure both administrative and technical capacities for the implementation of these policies, and joining the LIFE program will open the door to new funding and projects," said Dusik, adding that the accession process is now a priority for the EU.
Ćulafić responded that he was pleased and that it was an additional motivation to accelerate work in order to use such a clear EU priority for the benefit of Montenegro.
As he stated, strengthening administrative capacities represents continuous work that is being carried out in accordance with the recommendations from the European Commission report, with the help of partners.
Ćulafić also emphasized the importance of the Low-Carbon Development Strategy, which is expected to be finalized by the end of the year.
"Montenegro has already adopted the Nationally Determined Contribution with the aim of reducing emissions by 55 percent by 2030 and 60 percent by 2035, as well as the Fourth National Communication and the First Biennial Transparency Report," said Ćulafić.
MERS said that Dusik expressed satisfaction with the progress in climate legislation, especially in the part related to the Law.
"His directorate is available for any additional consultations and assistance needed in the area of harmonisation. He has indicated a meeting with representatives of the Energy Community with a view to the possibility of assistance in this area," MERS said.
As they said, one of the topics of the meeting was the possibility of obtaining a transitional period in the implementation of the ETS 2 directive.
"EC representatives will consult on this at a technical level with representatives of the member states in order to create conditions for full implementation in road transport, construction and other sectors not covered by ETS1, which relate to small industry," the statement added.
Ćulafić said that he is fully aware that work on Chapter 27 represents an obligation for a large number of institutions and that he believes that the high-level reception in Brussels should be used to send the message that interdepartmental cooperation is the key to the success of the Government of Montenegro.
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