Under the slogan "European Integration and a Better Quality of Life through Sustainable Water Resources Management", the 6th International Water Conference was officially opened in Budva. The conference is organised by the Union of Municipalities of Montenegro and the Water Supply and Sewerage Association of Montenegro, in cooperation with GIZ, RCDN, and numerous international partners.
The conference was officially opened with welcoming remarks by Milan Bulatović, President of the Water Supply and Sewerage Association of Montenegro; Dr Jelena Borovinić Bojović, President of the Assembly of the Union of Municipalities of Montenegro; Lana Radunović, State Secretary at the Ministry of Ecology, Sustainable Development and Northern Region Development; and Nikola Jovanović, President of the Municipality of Budva.
The participants in the opening session conveyed a clear and shared message: only through the joint efforts of local self-governments, state institutions, and international partners can healthy, accessible, and safe water be ensured for all citizens of Montenegro.
On behalf of the organisers, Milan Bulatović stated that “the conference is an opportunity for us to jointly assess the current situation, challenges, and development directions of the water sector – one of the most important segments of local infrastructure and public utility services.”
Bulatović emphasised that gatherings such as this are important because they provide an opportunity to exchange experiences and good practices, and to connect local self-governments, water utility companies, and relevant institutions with the aim of strengthening capacities and improving the quality of services.
Water – a matter of health, life and development
In her inspiring address, Dr Jelena Borovinić Bojović, President of the Assembly of the Union of Municipalities of Montenegro, reminded participants that water is “the most important public health resource and the source of life,” emphasising that “every drop of clean water, every investment in sewerage systems, and every modernisation of wastewater treatment plants represents an investment in a healthier future for our citizens, families, and children.”
“Water is not merely a public utility, environmental, or infrastructure issue – it is, first and foremost, a public health issue. Human health and the health of our planet are inextricably linked, and it is our responsibility to act responsibly, in a coordinated manner, and with careful planning,” Dr Borovinić Bojović emphasised.
She also reflected on the process of European integration, stressing that “alignment with European directives on drinking water, wastewater management, and the protection of water resources is not merely a technical process, but a civilisational step forward that means clean water in every home and a healthy environment for all.”
“Local self-governments are the cornerstone of European integration, as it is precisely at the municipal level that these standards are implemented in practice – in the everyday lives of our citizens. That is why the Union of Municipalities of Montenegro, together with the Water Supply and Sewerage Association and international partners, remains committed to strengthening the capacities of municipalities and utility companies so that they can serve as reliable and responsible drivers of change,” she said.
The President of the Assembly of the Union of Municipalities of Montenegro concluded that “our shared vision is clear – safe and accessible water for everyone, in every municipality of Montenegro.”
Government committed to European standards in the water sector
State Secretary Lana Radunović recalled that the Government of Montenegro and the Ministry of Ecology, Sustainable Development and Northern Region Development are “fully committed to strengthening the water resources management system in line with European standards and the process of accession to the European Union.”
She emphasised that “water resources management is of fundamental importance for the implementation of environmental protection policies, as it directly affects citizens’ quality of life and the sustainability of development,” highlighting the role of Chapter 27 – Environment and Climate Change as one of the most demanding chapters in the European Union accession negotiations.
Budva – a host and an example of local responsibility
As the host of the conference, Nikola Jovanović, President of the Municipality of Budva, expressed his satisfaction that Budva is once again bringing together experts from Montenegro and abroad to discuss the most important issues related to water supply, wastewater treatment, and the protection of water resources.
“Budva, as one of Montenegro’s leading tourist destinations, has a particular interest in improving the infrastructure and systems that ensure a reliable water supply and high-quality wastewater treatment,” Jovanović said.
He added that the city faces specific challenges each year due to the seasonal increase in population and water consumption, which requires stable, well-planned, and environmentally responsible development of public utility infrastructure.
“Our obligation is to plan development in line with actual needs, while respecting environmental standards and the principles of rational resource use. That is precisely why gatherings such as this are exceptionally important – they enable the exchange of experiences, the alignment of local and national policies, and the joint planning of future projects,” president Jovanović stated.
A shared goal – a strong and sustainable water sector
The "Waters of Montenegro 2025" Conference aims to foster dialogue on reforms in the water sector and the strengthening of the capacities of local self-governments and utility companies. During the first day, discussions will focus on European integration and projects in the water sector, while subsequent sessions will feature exchanges on cooperation with international partners, including the World Bank, UNICEF, the European Union, and other organisations.
The organisers emphasised that the holding of this conference reaffirms the continuity of the joint efforts of the Union of Municipalities of Montenegro, the Water Supply and Sewerage Association of Montenegro, and the Ministry of Ecology, Sustainable Development and Northern Region Development, as well as the support provided by the international programmes GIZ and RCDN, which have been contributing to the development of capacities in Montenegro’s water sector for many years.
The conference brought together representatives of the Government of Montenegro, local self-governments, water supply and public utility companies, international organisations, financial institutions, academia, and the private sector. Over the course of three days, participants will explore the key challenges and future directions of the water sector through sessions, workshops, and panel discussions – ranging from European integration and the reduction of network water losses to digitalisation, climate change, and the sustainable management of resources.
