The Ministry of Public Administration, the Union of Municipalities of Montenegro, the Ministry of Ecology, Sustainable Development and Northern Region Development, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management, the Ministry of Social Welfare, Family Care and Demography, the Ministry of Transport, as well as representatives of all 25 local government units in Montenegro, signed a Memorandum of Cooperation within the framework of the EU project “Municipalities for EU – Empowering Local Communities in Montenegro’s European Integration Process”.
“Local governments are essential in bringing European values and standards closer to citizens. The true measure of success in Montenegro’s accession to the European Union will not only be the adoption of national policies and legislation, but also the extent to which they are implemented at the local level, where they directly affect citizens’ lives. By fostering cooperation between the national and municipal levels, we are jointly laying the foundations for a more inclusive and effective European integration process. This is not merely a framework for cooperation; it is a statement of shared responsibility. It is a declaration that the path towards Europe is a collective effort – one that must be built on trust, partnership and recognition that every level of government has a key role to play in this process,” said H.E. Johann Sattler, Ambassador of the European Union to Montenegro, at the signing of the Memorandum.
The Memorandum places particular emphasis on aligning local governments with European standards and policies, as well as on raising citizens’ awareness of the EU.
“In the context of current developments, changes are necessary, but so is support for local governments. Only teamwork, to which we invite all of you, can deliver the desired results. Through its implementation, the Memorandum should make a strong contribution to the decentralisation of local government, which is the best path towards democratic progress to which we are all equally committed,” said Marash Dukaj, MSc, Minister of Public Administration..
The signing of the Memorandum represents a key step in preparing local government units to access and utilise EU funds and improve citizens’ quality of life. The document also provides for the establishment of an EU Corner in every municipality.
“Local governments play a key role in the European integration process. As the level of government closest to citizens, they are often on the front line of implementing policies stemming from the EU accession negotiations. As much as 70 percent of European legislation is implemented at the local level. Therefore, our task is to ensure their full involvement in the planning and implementation of activities leading to the adoption of European standards and values,” said Maida Gorčević, Minister of European Affairs.
By signing the Memorandum, local government units committed to establishing European integration units, in accordance with municipal decisions on their organisation and functioning. Among other responsibilities, these units will prepare projects to secure funding from European Union funds, manage EU-funded projects, and coordinate activities related to the EU accession process. Adequate resources will also be provided to support the work of these units.
“Municipalities are on the front line when it comes to providing services to citizens and applying European standards in everyday life, and it is of utmost importance that local governments have the knowledge, capacities and tools necessary to successfully align with European legislation,” said Radoš Žugić, President of the Governing Board of the Union of Municipalities of Montenegro.
Mišela Manojlović, Secretary General of the Union of Municipalities of Montenegro, emphasised that the project represents an opportunity for local governments to make more effective use of the funding available through EU funds.
“Through this initiative, municipalities will be able to increase their absorption capacity for EU financial assistance, enabling projects to be implemented more efficiently and to have a greater positive impact on citizens’ everyday lives,” said Manojlović.
The aim of the EU-funded project “Municipalities 4 EU – Empowering Local Communities in Montenegro’s EU Integration Process” is to support the capacity development of local governments so that they are prepared to respond effectively to the requirements of the EU accession process.
