With the regional info day held in Kolašin, during which the first call for municipalities to apply with their projects aimed at improving public infrastructure and services for EU financial support was presented, the implementation of the new phase of the programme has officially begun. EU for all (EU4ALL). The total value of the project is €2.13 million, and it is being implemented by NALAS in cooperation with the Union of Municipalities of Montenegro.
The Secretary General of the Union of Municipalities of Montenegro (UOMM) Mišela Manojlović assessed that this project comes at the right time for Montenegrin municipalities, given the significant needs at the local level, as well as the increasingly pronounced problem of depopulation and, consequently, staff shortages, especially in the north of Montenegro and in smaller municipalities.
– Through grant funding in the amount of two million euros for infrastructure and strengthening local capacities, the project enables municipalities to transform their development priorities into well-prepared, sustainable projects aligned with EU standards. Its ultimate goal, as is the case with all EU-funded projects implemented in Montenegro, is for citizens to fully experience the benefits of the integration process by improving the quality of life in local communities. This call represents the first phase of a project that will continue over the next several years. If the funds are fully utilized, we will be better prepared for future, even more demanding and financially substantial opportunities that EU membership will bring – said Manojlović.
Local self-governments will also receive support in the preparation and implementation of projects through training, mentoring, and practical assistance, with a focus on developing mature project ideas and aligning them with EU standards. EU for all will last 40 months, with the possibility of extension.
The Info Day was held as part of the celebration of Europe Day, which this year began precisely in Kolašin, and the event was also attended by the Minister of Public Administration Maraš Dukaj, the Chief Negotiator with the EU, Predrag Zenović and the EU Ambassador to Montenegro. Johan Satler.
Minister Dukaj pointed out the key role of local self-governments, reminding that as much as 70 percent of EU legislation is implemented at the local level.
“That is why we have directed reforms toward strengthening municipalities as the foundation of development and European integration,” said Marash Dukaj.
Johann Sattler said that Europe Day carries a simple but powerful idea — that countries and people are stronger when they work together — adding that this idea has been shaping Europe for more than 70 years and remains just as important today.
