Agreements signed with municipalities for the use of EU funds for infrastructure development and environmental protection

The Ministry of Ecology, Sustainable Development and Northern Development (MERS), the Ministry of Public Works and representatives of local governments have signed working agreements that, as announced, will enable municipalities to use funds from European Union (EU) funds to improve waste management systems, improve water supply and strengthen nature protection.

MERS reminded that within the framework of the IPA Operational Programme for the Environment, the European Commission has allocated 48 million euros to Montenegro for the area of ​​environment and climate change.

As they said, part of that money will be available to local governments for the implementation of projects.

MERS explained that the signed agreements include the improvement of the sewage network and water supply system in Bijelo Polje, the improvement of the water supply system in Kolašin, the improvement of the water supply system in Pljevlja, and the construction of an embankment on the Bojana River.

The agreements, it is added, also envisage projects to improve the waste management system in all municipalities, as well as the protection and improvement of the Solana area.

"The program also provides for technical assistance (TA) for MERS, the final beneficiary of which is the Directorate for International Cooperation and IPA Funds," the statement said.

The agreements were signed on behalf of MERS by State Secretary and IPA Operational Programme Manager Zoran Dabetić, who emphasized that these documents represent another confirmation of the continuous and strong cooperation between the state and local levels.

"MERS continuously, in cooperation with international partners, works to provide financial resources to improve the state of the environment in Montenegro, with a special focus on municipalities in the north of the country," said Dabetić.

According to him, the goal of these projects is to specifically improve the living conditions of citizens, through infrastructure development and sustainable resource management.

He said that a total of seven agreements were signed, some of which relate to waste management and some to improving the water supply system, emphasizing that their implementation will have a direct positive impact on the quality of life of citizens.

Dabetić recalled that a number of significant projects in the field of environmental protection are already being implemented in Montenegro, especially in the segment of wastewater management through the construction and improvement of infrastructure, as well as activities on the rehabilitation of hazardous waste landfills and the development of regional waste management centers.

"The implementation of such demanding and significant projects would not be possible without the strong support of international partners, who recognize Montenegro's efforts in achieving European standards in the field of environmental protection," concluded Dabetić.

Secretary General of the Union of Municipalities, Mišela Manojlović, expressed her satisfaction with the concrete benefits for municipalities and their citizens that come from fulfilling the obligations under Chapter 27.

"As always, the community is making expert assistance available to its members for the preparation of these very demanding projects. I believe that through dialogue and cooperation we will take concrete steps towards fulfilling our common goals," said Manojlović.

During the working part of the meeting, State Secretary at MERS Nenad Vitomirović and Head of the Working Group for Chapter 27 and Negotiator for Cluster 4, pointed out the importance of harmonizing national policies with European standards.

"The development of local plans is not only a legal obligation, but also an important part of the reform agenda. The EU views this process both through environmental protection and through the development of a circular economy," said Vitomirović, adding that such an approach opens up space for sustainable development and new investments.

He recalled the activities that MERS has implemented, including organizing Info Days for the development of local waste management plans, with the aim of strengthening the capacities and awareness of local governments.

Vitomirović also highlighted the importance of the planned construction of four regional waste management centers in Nikšić, Bijelo Polje, Podgorica and Bar, emphasizing that these projects will significantly improve the waste management system at the national level.

He said that landfills are not a solution for waste management, but that a modern system requires the construction of infrastructure and regional capacities, with clearly defined standards.

Vitomirović announced that the Law on Waste Management will also introduce a state municipal inspection, which will contribute to more efficient control and consistent application of regulations in the field.

As he stated, local plans should also include waste prevention measures, which is key in the waste management hierarchy.