The Montenegrin delegation attended the meeting of the EU–Montenegro Joint Consultative Committee (JCC) of the European Committee of the Regions, held in Brussels on 27 May 2025, where discussions focused on pthe process of Montenegro's accession to the European Union from a local government perspective and Montenegro's status as an ecological state. The delegation consisted of: Radoš Žugić, president of the Governing Board of the Union of Municipalities of Montenegro and president of the Municipality of Žabljak, Petar Smolović, , president of the Municipality of Bijelo Polje, Vida Ivanović, president of the Municipal Assembly of Berane, and Samir Agović, president of the Municipality of Petnjica.
Decentralisation as concluded during the meeting, decentralisation remains the foremost priority for local authorities in Montenegro and is being closely monitored by the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities. It was emphasized that the effective implementation of legislation is essential for Montenegro's accession to the European Union, with municipalities playing a pivotal role in upholding the rule of law and ensuring genuine, rather than merely formal, integration into the EU, as well as delivering a transformation that improves citizens' quality of life and brings tangible benefits. in this context, participants also stressed the need for EU grant funding to be channelled directly to local authorities. The discussion further highlighted the importance of other key accession criteria, including the fight against corruption, media freedom, digitalisation, gender equality, the protection of the rights of national minorities, alignment with the EU's common foreign and security policy, and good neighbourly relations.
At the meeting, the following were elected as Co-Chairs of the Committee: Radoš Žugić and Nikola Dobroslavić, member of the European Committee of the Regions and prefect of Dubrovnik-Neretva County.
The 2025–2030 Work Programme adopted by the Joint Consultative Committee (JCC) identifies the following priority areas: European integration, sustainable development, the green and digital transition, and strengthening the administrative capacities of municipalities.
Petar Marković, ambassador and head of the Mission of Montenegro to the European Union, stated that local communities are the foundation of European values and that the sustainability of Montenegro's European path depends on their active engagement. He also emphasized that investment in human resources, along with the exchange of best practices and experience, is a key instrument for accelerating the European integration process, and that local governments can make a significant contribution through high-quality projects and by attracting investors. The representative of the European Commission Heinke Veit the representative of the European Commission highlighted the need for greater involvement of municipalities in the planning and implementation of policies that directly affect citizens, emphasizing that "without strong local capacity, the effective implementation of EU standards on the ground is not possible."
The second part of the meeting was dedicated to the topic of ""Montenegro – the World's First Ecological State: Words or Actions?". Participants discussed the challenges of implementing the Green Agenda at the local level, the need for greater investment in environmental protection, and the importance of engaging citizens in decision-making processes. Particular emphasis was placed on environmental literacy, stronger cooperation between the education and civil society sectors, and increasing local budget allocations for nature protection. The speakers in this session included Dr. Ivana Vojinović, director of the Centre for Climate Change, Natural Resources and Energy at the University of Donja Gorica, Veselin Šturanović, executive director of the FORS Montenegro Foundation for the Sustainable Development of the North, and Dr. Željka Šiljković, full professor at the University of Zadar.
Mišela Manojlović, the Secretary General of the Union of Municipalities of Montenegro presented a feasibility study aimed at integrating health, eco, and rural tourism with organic agriculture, environmental protection, and healthy lifestyles across all municipalities in Montenegro. She explained that the study is a flagship initiative through which the Union supports its member municipalities, while also offering significant potential to brand every municipality—and Montenegro as a whole—as a BioEco destination. Manojlović emphasized that projects of this kind create the conditions for balanced regional development, help prevent depopulation, and foster a strong connection between tradition, nature, and modern economic development.
In conclusion, the Joint Consultative Committee was recognized for its important role as a bridge between Montenegro's local communities and the European institutions. Through continuous cooperation and dialogue, the Committee contributes to strengthening local self-government and enhancing the role of municipalities in Montenegro's European integration process.
