International organizations
International organizations
Network of Associations of Local Authorities of Southeast Europe
NALAS
The Network of Associations of Local Authorities of South-East Europe – NALAS (Network of Associations of Local Authorities of South-East Europe) is a regional network of national associations of local governments from South-East Europe, bringing together 13 associations/communities of municipalities, representing around 9,000 local government units. It was established with the support of the Council of Europe and the Stability Pact initiative, with the aim of advancing decentralization, local democracy, and good governance practices. The Union of Municipalities of Montenegro was one of the founding members of the Network and served as its first presiding member after its formal establishment in 2005. NALAS provides a platform for the exchange of experiences, develops joint projects, and advocates for the interests of local authorities at the regional and European levels. Through active membership in NALAS, the Union of Municipalities contributes to strengthening the capacities of municipalities in Montenegro through networking, training, research, and regional cooperation. www.nalas.eu
Council of European Municipalities and Regions
CEMR
The Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) is the oldest and broadest European organization of local and regional authorities, with 60 national associations from 41 countries and over 130,000 local authorities. Founded in 1951, CEMR promotes local democracy, subsidiarity, and citizen participation in decision-making. The Union of Municipalities of Montenegro has been a member of CEMR since 2004, thereby gaining access to a wide range of initiatives, policies, and practices of European cities and regions. CEMR advocates strengthening the autonomy of local self-government, improving citizen participation, and developing sustainable local communities. Through this network, the Union participates in shaping European policies related to local authorities and transfers European standards into the domestic context. www.ccre-cemr.org
Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe
CLRAE
The Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe (CLRAE) is a consultative body representing more than 150,000 local and regional authorities from 46 member states of the Council of Europe. Its main task is to strengthen local and regional democracy, ensure respect for the principles of good governance, and uphold human rights at the local level. Following Montenegro’s accession to the Council of Europe in 2007, the Union of Municipalities became a member of the Congress, actively participating in the work of its chambers. The Union also uses this platform to monitor European standards and reforms in the field of local governance and democracy. Congress sessions are held twice a year in Strasbourg and serve as a platform where local and regional representatives discuss challenges and issues, and exchange experiences and views.
Through its membership in the CLRAE, the Union nominates members of Montenegro’s delegation for a period of 5 years and provides expert support to their work. The composition of the delegation: Petar Smolović, President of the Municipality of Bijelo Polje (Head of Delegation), Dr Jelena Borovinić Bojović, President of the Capital City Assembly (member), Vladimir Jokić, President of the Municipality of Kotor (member), Samir Agović, President of the Municipality of Petnjica (substitute member), Vida Ivanović, President of the Municipal Assembly of Berane (substitute member), Stevan Katić, President of the Municipality of Herceg Novi (substitute member), and Milica Radojičić, Assistant Secretary General of the Union of Municipalities of Montenegro (Secretary of the Delegation). www.coe.int/en/web/congress
Assembly of Regional and Local Authorities of the Euro-Mediterranean
ARLEM
ARLEM (Euro-Mediterranean Regional and Local Assembly) represents a platform for dialogue and cooperation between local and regional authorities of the European Union and their partners from the southern Mediterranean. It was established in 2010 within the framework of the Union for the Mediterranean and operates under the auspices of the European Committee of the Regions. The objective of ARLEM is to strengthen the role of local governments in the Euro-Mediterranean cooperation process, with a particular focus on sustainable development, entrepreneurship, water management, urban planning, and climate change. The Union of Municipalities of Montenegro participates in the work of ARLEM, thereby contributing to regional integration and the promotion of Montenegrin local governments. Montenegro is included in this assembly as a Mediterranean partner and contributes through reports, initiatives, and dialogue with other members.
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