For the preparation or revision of technical documentation for the construction or reconstruction of local infrastructure—including feasibility studies, conceptual designs, preliminary designs, detailed designs, revised detailed designs, as-built designs, environmental impact assessments and other technical documentation—the Union of Municipalities of Montenegro allocated EUR 475,418.38 in the previous year, of which EUR 175,418.38 relates to funds reserved under decisions on the allocation of funds to municipalities adopted in 2023. In addition, under its 2024 Work Programme, the Union of Municipalities planned a total of 112 activities in various areas, all of which were implemented during the year, achieving a 100% implementation rate. A further 46 activities were also carried out, bringing the total number of activities implemented by the Union to 158, or 41% more than originally planned. These included normative activities, such as initiatives, opinions on legislative proposals, and the drafting of laws and secondary legislation; research and analytical activities, including studies, strategies, strategic plans, analyses, programmes, plans and terms of reference; as well as general acts, programmes and plans, international cooperation and EU integration, and the strengthening of municipal human resource capacities through training sessions, workshops, conferences, round tables and similar activities.
Through a series of training sessions delivered by trainers with extensive experience and a strong understanding of local self-government and the systems within its remit, municipal human resources were strengthened. Professional networks, established by the Union of Municipalities in 2023 to connect officials from all municipalities performing the same or similar tasks, were also further developed. Through these networks, municipal officials exchange experiences and harmonize practices, contributing to greater legal certainty and efficiency in their work. During the previous year, additional efforts were made to increase municipalities’ absorption capacities for accessing EU and other funds. To this end, following a public call, a network of external experts was established to provide support to municipalities.
Alongside the implementation of these activities, the Union sought to establish strong cooperation and partnerships with the ministries, the Government and the Parliament of Montenegro, to promote the financial and functional independence of municipalities, and to strengthen the position of municipalities in the EU accession process and in international cooperation. Despite having a very small number of employees, the Union succeeded in establishing itself as a reliable and professional partner to the central authorities in creating an enabling environment for the work and functioning of municipalities whenever possible. At the same time, it sought to build a relationship of mutual support and trust with its member municipalities and to ensure their unity in protecting their constitutionally guaranteed rights to autonomy and their own budgets, while also providing strong support in preparing them for the European integration process and for accessing non-repayable funding from EU and other funds.
