Kljajić: ZOCG has a key role in strengthening the capacities of local governments

The Union of Municipalities of Montenegro (ZOCG), according to its representatives, plays a key role in strengthening the capacities of local governments, especially in the context of energy transition and the fight against climate change.

At the final conference of the EU4 Energy Transition project: Covenant of Mayors in the Western Balkans and Turkey, held at the European Parliament in Brussels, Montenegro was represented by the Secretary of the Spatial Planning Committee of the Montenegrin Parliament, Marija Kljajić.

As stated in the statement, she placed special emphasis on cooperation with the German Development Agency (GIZ ORF-ETC), whose contribution she assessed as invaluable for the sustainable development of Montenegrin municipalities.

"Thanks to GIZ support, numerous Montenegrin municipalities have developed and adopted the first local Sustainable Energy and Climate Plans (SECAP), while some local governments have received support for the implementation of pilot projects. In the Municipality of Berane, concrete activities have led to a reduction in energy consumption of around 25 percent in the Cultural Center building, which clearly demonstrates the effectiveness of local policies when they have adequate technical and institutional support," said Kljajić.

ZOCG, in partnership with GIZ ORF-ETC, has implemented a series of activities that include organizing professional training, implementing pilot projects, and strengthening administrative capacities, especially in smaller and medium-sized municipalities that have limited resources but significant development potential.

"GIZ is not only a partner, but also an ally that has recognized the strategic role of the local level in implementing European policies. Thanks to this cooperation, Montenegro today has a stronger basis for responding to climate challenges and implementing a green transition in accordance with European standards," Kljajić emphasized.

She also announced the continuation of activities in this direction, with the message that local governments remain key actors in implementing sustainable and inclusive policies, especially when they have the support of reliable partners like GIZ ORF-ETC.

The EU Energy Transition Project in Montenegro is implemented by GIZ in cooperation with ZOCG, and is funded by the EU and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).