Montenegro's actual progress in Chapter 27 - Environment and Climate Change, goes beyond what is formally recorded in the European Commission (EC) Report, as a significant part of the activities were completed after the reporting period concluded, announced the Minister of Ecology, Sustainable Development and Northern Development, Damjan Ćulafić.
He said that the EC Report, in the part relating to Chapter 27, noted some progress by the country.
As he explained, the EC noted in the Report Montenegro's progress in the field of environmental protection and climate change, by joining the LIFE program of the European Union (EU), adopting the National Waste Management Plan for the period 2025-2029, and reducing the use of plastic bags by 50 percent.
Stating that this year has not been easy, Ćulafić said that they have faced numerous challenges - from financial constraints, to personnel and institutional issues, to demanding technical and legislative procedures that accompany harmonisation with the EU acquis.
"Yet, despite everything, we have achieved visible and measurable results," said Ćulafić.
As he recalled, the Ministry of Ecology, Sustainable Development and Northern Development (MERS) successfully submitted the Fourth National Communication and the First Biennial Transparency Report in February, which represents a key commitment within our commitment to combating climate change.
Ćulafić added that the Updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) was adopted in the same month, which sets an ambitious goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, with two implementation periods, by 55 percent by 2030 and 60 percent by 2035, covering all sectors.
"In July, the Climate Change Adaptation Plan for the period 2025 - 2035 was adopted, with the Action Plan 2025 - 2027, which will be the foundation for our further development, strengthening the resilience of society and concrete measures for adaptation to global climate change," recalled Ćulafić.
He stated that the Report indicates that it is necessary to accelerate the strengthening of administrative capacities through new employment, especially in the field of inspection supervision.
"In this regard, we would like to announce that, in accordance with the EC's comments, the Rulebook on Internal Organization and Job Classification in MERS was adopted at the session of the Government of Montenegro on October 23, which will further strengthen administrative capacities," said Ćulafić.
He added that the EC also points out in the Report that it is necessary to adopt key laws such as the Law on Nature Protection, which, as he stated, will soon be sent to the EC for an opinion.
"It is also noted that work on establishing the Natura 2000 network has continued. In this segment, we note that field data collection has been completed, and that the database is in the process of being organized," emphasized Ćulafić.
According to him, the Report states that the establishment of a company for the sustainable management of the Ulcinj Salt Pan has not yet been implemented.
"However, negotiations with the Ministry of Finance and the Municipality of Ulcinj have intensified, so we expect that the contract on the formation of the management will be signed very soon," said Ćulafić.
As he said, the Report also noted that the Draft Law on Climate Change is already in the parliamentary procedure under urgent procedure.
"We expect its adoption by the end of November," said Ćulafić, adding that the law and bylaws, which are already in preparation, will be key to the operationalization of the MRVA system.
According to Ćulafić, in cooperation with the World Bank, a Draft Strategy for Low-Carbon Development of Montenegro was prepared, which was presented in July.
"This Strategy will include an analysis of the necessary steps and timeframe for achieving climate neutrality. In parallel with this process, a Strategic Environmental Impact Assessment has been prepared and presented," said Ćulafić.
He emphasized that MERS remains committed to further harmonization with EU standards, strengthening institutional capacities, and implementing environmental protection strategies, with the goal of climate neutrality by 2050.
"Montenegro will continue cooperation with the EU and partners in order to achieve sustainable development and climate goals," said Ćulafić.
He emphasized that a significant part of the activities and results were not included in the EC Report, because they were completed after the reporting period was concluded.
"These are acts that were adopted in the last quarter of this year, as well as activities that are in a high stage of implementation," said Ćulafić.
As he added, this does not diminish the value of the Report.
"But it is important to point out that Montenegro's real progress in this area goes beyond what is formally recorded in the EC document," said Ćulafić.
According to him, important bylaws in the field of waste management have also been adopted - the Regulation on the manner and procedure for establishing a system for the collection, collection and processing of waste from electrical and electronic products, the Regulation on the manner and procedure for establishing a system for the collection, collection and processing of waste batteries and the operation of that system, as well as the Regulation on detailed conditions for implementing the extended producer responsibility program.
Ćulafić recalled that, in the field of chemicals, the Regulation on the amount of costs incurred by the Agency in the procedure for issuing permits for placing biocidal products on the market and in use, as well as the Regulation on amendments to the Regulation on prohibited and permitted methods of use, production and placing on the market of chemicals that pose an unacceptable risk to human health and the environment, have been adopted.
He added that the Regulation on Amendments to the Regulation on the Detailed Content of Prior Notification for the Export of Chemicals has been adopted.
"In the field of nature protection, the National Action Plan for addressing the issue of illegal killing, taking and trade in migratory birds has been adopted, as well as the Regulation on amendments to the Regulation on detailed conditions for the trade in protected wild plants, animals and mushrooms," said Ćulafić.
As he pointed out, in cooperation with the Environmental Protection Agency, the process of establishing the Hazardous Waste Register has begun, and the Ministry of Finance's consent for the tender is awaited.
"Numerous processes are underway, which are expected to be finalized by the end of the year," said Ćulafić.
As he explained, this refers to the Air Quality Management Strategy for the period 2026–2029, for which a draft document has been prepared.
"The documentation for the National List of Protected Wild Species of Plants, Animals and Mushrooms has been submitted to the Secretariat for Legislation for an opinion," added Ćulafić.
According to him, the preparation of Specific Plans for the implementation of directives - for the areas of waste management, air, water and industrial pollution, in cooperation with the EC, is also underway.
"Although the Report notes progress, we remain aware that there are areas that require additional work and acceleration of the process - especially in the adoption of the remaining strategic documents and technical plans," said Ćulafić.
He said that, taking into account everything that has been done, with special emphasis on the results that have not been recognized in this, but will be in the next report, he can rightly say that Montenegro has entered the final phase of closing Chapter 27, and thus the final stage of the EU accession process.
"We remain fully committed to fulfilling all remaining obligations, because we know that every measure we implement and every regulation we adopt means a step closer to the common European goal," said Ćulafić.
He emphasized that Montenegro continues to build a system that guarantees environmental protection, sustainable management of natural resources, and a better quality of life for all citizens.
"Montenegro's European path is clear, irreversible and, I am convinced, is getting closer to its goal - Montenegro's membership in the EU," concluded Ćulafić.
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