The Union of Municipalities of Montenegro actively develops international, regional, and bilateral cooperation with the aim of strengthening the capacities of local self-governments and their integration into the European area. Through membership in numerous international and regional networks, the Union promotes the exchange of knowledge, best practices, and the application of European standards at the local level. Particular importance is attached to participation in the Joint Consultative Committee with the EU Committee of the Regions, as well as in networks that affirm the role of local authorities in the process of European integration.

The Union provides support to municipalities in establishing international partnerships and town twinning with cities from Europe and beyond, through advisory services, networking, and the promotion of concrete initiatives. Through projects, thematic trainings, and the exchange of experiences, the Union contributes to the modernization of local administration and the strengthening of the role of local communities. It is also active in the work of the CEMR twinning network and regularly cooperates with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other institutions in the field of international cooperation.

In the past decade, the Community has been actively advocating for the full participation of Montenegrin local self-governments in the European integration process and for their positioning within European institutions and organizations. It has contributed to the inclusion of representatives of local authorities in negotiating working groups and bodies for programming pre-accession funds, enabling them to timely recognize the challenges and opportunities brought by the EU accession process. In this way, the Community significantly contributes to the introduction of European standards and the implementation of reforms at the local level.

Joint Consultative Committee between the European Committee of the Regions and Montenegro

The Joint Consultative Committee between the European Union’s Committee of the Regions and Montenegro (JCC) was established in 2011, by a decision of the Stabilisation and Association Council, with the aim of strengthening institutional cooperation between local and regional authorities of Montenegro and the EU. The Committee operates on a parity basis, with eight members from each side, and represents a permanent platform for dialogue and exchange of experiences. Through the work of the JCC, local self-governments gain the opportunity to follow the course of accession negotiations with the European Union, to be timely informed about the changes that await them, and to provide concrete recommendations and proposals related to the process of European integration. The Committee’s meetings are held regularly, alternating between Montenegro and Brussels, and represent an important forum for addressing key challenges of local communities – from governance and the provision of public services to the use of pre-accession funds and support to reforms.

The Union of Municipalities of Montenegro provides expert and technical support to the work of the JCC, including the preparation of materials, coordination with local authorities, and participation in the drafting of joint recommendations. The activities of the Committee contribute to strengthening the role of local self-governments in the process of European integration and the gradual adoption of European standards and principles at the local level. This form of cooperation further reinforces the institutional preparedness of Montenegrin municipalities for future membership in the European Union.

Members of the JCC (2025–2030):

1. Radoš Žugić, President of the Municipality of Žabljak
2. Genci Nimanbegu, President of the Municipality of Ulcinj
3. Vesko Delić, President of the Municipality of Mojkovac
4. Petar Smolović, President of the Municipality of Bijelo Polje
5. Nihad Canović, President of the Municipality of Plav
6. Vida Ivanović, predsjednica Skupštine opštine Berane
7. Samir Agović, predsjednik Opštine Petnjica
8. Jelena Borovinić Bojović, President of the Assembly of the Capital City of Podgorica

Replacements of ZSO Members (2025–2030):

1. Petko Bakić, predsjednik Opštine Kolašin
2. Aleksandar Grgurović, President of the Municipality of Danilovgrad
3. Željko Komnenović, President of the Municipality of Tivat
4. Lindon Gjelaj, President of the Municipality of Tuzi
5. Slobodan Delić, President of the Municipality of Plužine
6. Dušan Raičević, President of the Municipality of Bar
7. Sanel Balić, President of the Municipality of Gusinje
8. Željko Ćulafić, President of the Municipality of Andrijevica